As the year draws to a close, so, too, does my career at The Crimson White, an imperfect newspaper, but one that sought this year to inform the campus conversation through fair, incisive reporting.

We, I feel, succeeded.

I have always felt that the role of the journalist is to empower people to make a simple decision: accept the status quo or demand change. Our job is not to interpret the facts, but merely to report them.

To that end, we have asked tough questions about major issues facing this campus. Some of the answers to those questions spurred more headlines than others, such as the SGA’s use of state money for a trip to Pasadena, Calif. Others, however, such as our questions about the acquisition of the Bryce Hospital property, were just as critical to helping inform the campus conversation.

At every turn, we sought to be fair, no matter the topic. If we covered a story, it was because it had news value. If we didn’t, it was because it either was not newsworthy or was a rumor that turned out to be untrue.

There is a misperception among some on this campus that The Crimson White is little more than a mouthpiece for independents. It is a tired excuse.

For example, prior to the episode in California, The Crimson White’s editorial board had written six “Our View” pieces this year about SGA activities. Five of those editorials – an astounding 83 percent – backed the SGA. By comparison, The Washington Post supported Barack Obama only 50 percent of the time in the 2008 elections. They endorsed him.

Although I am an independent, I have voted for greeks and independents alike. To me, my choices were always about qualifications and platform. In my news coverage, I have sought to avoid letting my affiliation affect my reporting. For me, stories were always about actions and deeds, positive and negative, not about the social lives of the people involved.

Of course, the stories we wrote and edited never would have made it to the racks without a talented team we have been so fortunate to have with us for every issue.

There are the people whose names appear at the forefront of the print edition every day, like our section editors and various reporters. They are, in many ways, the heart and soul of this newspaper, and we were all led this year by a talented editor in Amanda Peterson. Her dedication to this publication has been unsurpassed.

But there are many people whose names often go unprinted — or printed, but only in small print on page 2 — who deserve much credit.

First, we owe a debt to our designers, whose layouts sometimes convinced someone to pick up a paper. Brandee Easter, Aaron Gertler and Emily Johnson tolerated late stories and newsroom antics with humor and grace that made the nights more pleasant. They were assisted by Jennifer Gorham, Chris Jackson and Natalie Peeples, all of whom have given of their talents so generously that we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge and thank them time and again.

I have been blessed to receive support from a wide array of faculty members on this campus. In the journalism department, Meredith Cummings, Jennifer Greer and Chris Roberts always had answers, and the Honors College’s Jacqueline Morgan (and her husband, Robert) and Shane Sharpe provided remarkable counsel. Betty Florey, Rick Funk, Howard Jones and Gene Marsh have been constant backers, and I have greatly benefited.

In the professional world, I found support from journalists across the country, but Rick Dunham, Christi Parsons, Kathleen Struck and Dorie Turner have been more patient and generous than I could have ever imagined.

When I unexpectedly found myself in the role of managing editor in January, my friends rallied and supported me every step of the way, and I owe particular thanks to Fernanda Lima, Annie Ostrow and Jonathan Pittman.

My best friend and girlfriend, Meredith McDermott, did not merely tolerate the long hours and near-constant phone calls, but helped me to embrace a new challenge. Her wonderful family cheered me on every day, too.

My family in Atlanta and my extended family all over has never let me forget my roots and the core values that have always informed my search for truth.

Finally, you, our readers, gave me a reason to write. Know how much I appreciated your messages of support and, in some cases, criticism where it helped me to learn how to do better.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege to inform you.

It was simply that—a high privilege, indeed.

Alan Blinder, managing editor of The Crimson White, is a junior majoring in history, journalism and political science.