By Eric Lippe, Magazine Editor
The Gettysburgian is operated by a staff of students who retain full editorial control over the publication’s operations. Unlike many other college news organizations, none of The Gettysburgian’s staff is paid or otherwise compensated outside of experience and exposure. Yet, I have had the privilege of meeting many of the most dedicated and hard-working people that this campus has to offer within the ranks of our staff. People who give dozens and hundreds of hours to the act of creation, and the goal of information, without the expectation or hope of remuneration.
Eric Lippe ’24 (Photo Sofia Gutierrez/The Gettysburgian)
Sometimes I am bewildered that more people don’t want to get involved with us. We are one of oldest student organizations on campus, having been in operation since 1897. We have a storied history that stretches over 125 years, and anyone who attends this college can contribute to that legacy.
Other times, I can’t imagine why anyone spends so much of their time with us. We do everything within our means to produce journalism to the highest standard— literal award-winning stories about anything and everything surrounding this campus. Yet, there are times where I am convinced that our only reader base is parents and alumni. Other times, including our work on the strategic direction and consolidating opinions from across campus, it feels like we are a veritable member of the fourth estate.
This edition of The Gettysburgian reports on the college’s effort toward greater transparency, discusses the graduation plans of some seniors, recounts the reinstatement of the teacher certification program, includes an interview with many professors of the arts, and so much more.
I am not the magazine editor out of an interest in future employment. I’m actually a Theater Arts major, and I didn’t join The Gettysburgian at all until last year. But there is something deeply beautiful about this group that comes from effort and time that is freely given. It is a beauty that inspires me to do more. I would encourage you to find a place where you can see that kind of beauty. We made this magazine without any obligation or personal benefit. We made this magazine for you. I hope you enjoy.
This article originally appeared on page 2 of the April 2024 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
