Pepperdine Graphic retrospective

BY SHANNON KELLY
Editor in Chief

The Graphic has finished six issues and is taking a two-week hiatus so the staff can catch its breath (and catch up in class). These first few days off have given us all a rare opportunity for reflection since we're usually refocusing our attention immediately on the next issue. I’m still in awe of the fact that we’ve already finished six issues and only have four more, but I’m very proud of the staff and the quality they’re producing.

The last issue stood out in terms of our feature stories.

We had a fairly slow news week, which gave the news editor, Jane Lee, a chance to write an amazing piece about a group of alumni that spent the summer in Tanzania. These ’07 grads are developing a text message system to help bring information about AIDS to sufferers who might not otherwise be able to learn about the disease. Sam Blons, Jane’s assistant news editor, wrote an article assessing the race, ethnicity and gender numbers at Seaver, over the past ten years or so, in order to point out trends in student diversity. The story was well thought out and well written, although any diversity piece can always go deeper; what do students think? Professors? Why are the numbers changing? Etc, etc. Still, she did the best she could with the sources she was able to reach and the time she had to complete the piece.

TANZANIA PHOTO

Our Sports section featured a piece from its “All in the Family” series called “Golfers shoot fore success.” This was a really neat article about siblings on the men’s and women’s golf teams and how they’ve grown together as athletes and students.

The A&E and living sections also printed some wonderful features. There was a touching piece about Chris Sangster, Pepperdine assistant dean for advancement and alumni relations, who is suffering from cancer. The article was heartfelt, informative and a pleasure to read. I hope it draws support for Sangster amd the concert that will benefit him.

A&E’s preview of Pepperdine Theatre Department’s production of “The Empire Builders,” is a good feature and look into the fall play. The writer talks to the director and casts, which gives readers a good taste of what’s to come.

STUDENT PRODUCTION

While we always try to publish at least a of couple strong features, which go a little more in-depth than our typical stories, I definitely think last week’s issue treats us with a few more than usual. Enjoy!