The road taken…
by Michael Vadnie
University Chronicle adviser
1988-2013
I’ve taken to calling my imminent retirement “rounding the clubhouse turn” after a famous call in the sport of kings.
The privilege to teach and to mentor adult children of other people for 32 years during the one of most important times of their lives cannot be understated.
Perhaps more challenging — and fulfilling — is having served the SCSU community for a quarter of a century as adviser of the fiercely independent University Chronicle.
The campus newspaper has delivered history-in-a hurry by freeze-framing events, sports and arts/entertainment through news and feature stories and photos. Understanding the informational value of advertising and learning business sense come with the territory, too.
More important, University Chronicle told the stories of multi-faceted diversity before it was a fashionable buzz word. Its journalists shined a light on and poked fun at enduring trends and passing fads. And its opinion sections consistently challenged conventional wisdom as a safe catalyst for exchanging ideas.
Like many college extra-curricular activities, Chronicle has been a proving ground for transition from classroom to newsroom and a real-life incubator where truth matters and missteps are magnified.
I took the role of “adviser” seriously and literally. Sure, there was nudge here and there by sharing some insights born only of age, experience or context. I must admit to using a not-so-subtle, perplexed shake of the head to signal disappointment, which I hope was tempered with constructive criticism and deserved pats on the back. Seldom did I preview stories, unless asked, and never did my role include censorship or mandated coverage.
In everyday conversation, I have always spoken about “Chronnies” in the third person, not because I had a turd in my pocket, but because we were family. We were in this together.
My greatest hopes are that we learned:
- storytelling is cool
- “no comment” is a comment
- to write hard, die free
- new media tools change the method, not the message
- a free press is crucial to democracy
- good journalists are skeptical and curious
- journalists must be watch dogs without losing sight of sensitivity
My greatest disappointments were when:
- we made mistakes, especially hurtful ones
- people who should know better blamed the messenger
- political correctness corrupted meaningful dialogue
- when it felt like someone wasn’t performing at his or her potential
My greatest pride has been hard to hide when:
- we did the right thing for the right reason
- we made a difference
- we formed lifelong friendships
- the Chronicle journey helped mold a good citizen
- the Chronicle experience took character and determination to the next level
It’s been a hell of a ride.
As for what’s next, the plan is to wear out, not rust out.
So it’s back to the horse track, thundering down the “stretch run” with some different adventures.
