Editorial: Goodbye yellow brick road, for now

Approximately this time every year hallways begin to simmer with thoughtful reverence, and the regular visitors of Herrick Memorial Library begin to find new competition for their coveted window seats.

Professors may find that their time is faithfully winding down to those more lackadaisical of days. A welcome respite between the present and another prosperous future. One final push – then we are there.

Students brace themselves against restless pillows and cold chairs anxiously awaiting their final trials. Classes fill slower and empty faster as students exodus into the final days before their conclusive – hopefully not cumulative – tribulation. In this time of pension the Fiat Lux would like to take this moment in AU history to think retrospectively.

The Fiat Lux staff has covered everything from snow forts to fires, budget cuts to rebuilding, and even more within the last two years. Through it all Thomas Flemming, also known affectionately as Pappy Flemming, led his staff to news worthiness no less than biweekly.

Having found her way home from American University last year, Kristin “Fiat Mom” Rubisch, has had a profound impact on the turnout of this twice monthly publication. Playing the bad cop to Tom’s joviality, the Fiat Lux of this year is more correctly phrased as theirs than his.

Ultimately, the Fiat Lux owes its most grateful thanks to its adviser of 15 years, Robyn Goodman, who will not be able to continue on with her position at the Fiat Lux starting from the coming fall due to the restructure within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Under her guidance, the Fiat Lux has earned 30 regional and national awards, with an average turnout of two awards per year – her presence will be greatly missed.

Not only is Robyn Goodman an expert in journalism, but she is also an emphatic communicator. While a price has been put on the skill set she offers, the enthusiasm and dedication she possesses find no monetary match.

While Professor Goodman's success may be quantifiable by the number of plaques now hanging above our cabinets in the Fiat Lux office, her efforts should not be tallied without the recognition of her most integral focus. Education is constantly at the forefront in the most infectious ways. Sometimes it seems as though she breathes for the word and has similarly bred it into each issue of the Fiat Lux.

The Fiat Lux staff asks our audience to wholeheartedly thank these members of the Alfred community for their tremendous efforts on this most genuine venture.