Pounding echoed through the halls of 744 Ostrom Ave. during production of the 2010 Graduation Guide. Fresh from Faegan’s, the outgoing editor-in-chief and an assistant photo editor tested screwdrivers and whatever other tools they could find. Their minds were made up: The management office filing cabinet would open that night.

Since Bob Heisler and The Daily Orange’s independent rebirth, management teams ended their terms by signing the filing cabinet’s exterior. With its key lost in the turnover of D.O. generations, someone locked the cabinet in the early 2000s. Its contents became more of a mystery each semester.

After several attempts, tool combinations and expletives, Will Halsey, the assistant photo editor, forced each drawer open. Inside, Halsey and Meredith Galante, the outgoing editor-in-chief, found letters of intent addressed to the 1996-2001 management teams, a 55-page D.O. memoir, and a dozen or so posters of Rob Howard proclaiming, ‘College is a sham.’ They found special editions, including The D.O.’s 25th independence anniversary and SU’s 125th birthday, and reprints of the 1903 issue that started it all. They discovered a history lesson in four metal drawers.

In 2011, D.O. staff will rekindle that history. Two very important anniversaries need celebrating: the paper’s 40th year of independence and its 20th year of financial independence.

In February, the 1971 staff will reunite in Syracuse to remember the year that changed the newspaper forever. The Daily Orange Alumni Association will be reestablished with committees to oversee future newsletters, plan reunions and more. Thanks to David Dwiggins (staff writer, Class of ‘98), the DOAA’s website will relaunch with more accessibility for alumni to reconnect, post jobs and relive the good days. And with your help, independent student journalism will continue to thrive.

Forty years ago, a libel suit sparked a conflict between The D.O. and SU that would result in the paper’s independence. Amid the soon-to-be aftermath of the paper’s most recent lawsuit and the struggles of newspapers across the country, D.O. staff must once again consider long-term change. Today’s staff must lay groundwork for the next 40 years.

Many of you graciously contributed when we faced the most recent lawsuit, and The D.O. could not have paid it off without your help. This newsletter is for you, and for anyone who will stand with the paper. While several college newspaper alumni organizations charge an alumni association fee to offset newsletter printing costs, it is a gift to you at no cost — for as long as we can afford it.

Time has steered away from 1971, since, well, the days Heisler stored his now-famous Shoe in the filing cabinet for special occasions. D.O. generations came and went, technology evolved, positions changed, memories faded. This newsletter strives to preserve all that and more. And yes, it’s going in the filing cabinet.

Brittney Davies (’10) is a former copy editor and assistant feature editor and a current Board of Directors member. If anyone knows the whereabouts of the filing cabinet key or needs an update on the most recent AP Style changes, contact her at  brittney.davies3@gmail.com.

Published on February 16, 2011 at 12:00 pm