To the Lafayette community,

I write these words, knowing they are likely to be my last to appear in The Lafayette, unsatisfied. I’ve made my peace with that.

I would rather bite off more than I can chew than convince myself I hit the nail on the head every single time. The work is never done. If I left this job feeling complete, I’d worry I hadn’t wanted enough.

We swung big this year — investigations, design packages and experiments that pushed the limits of what this publication allows itself to do. We covered just about everything we could reach, from legal battles and blazes battled, to campus oddities and ghost stories. We built on what the people before us built, and we tried to leave it better than we found it. That’s all you can ask.

I have, quite literally, grown up alongside this paper. And I am not the only one. At my side, and soon to cross that stage on the Quad with me, are three remarkable individuals with whom I have been so honored to work.

Managing Editor Selma O’Malley ‘26 has been my partner-in-crime for two years, and I feel enormously lucky that we got to build this thing together. She’s an editing beast and a truly skilled leader, and I’m sure the culture section (as well as the news, sports and design sections) will sorely feel her absence.

Design Director Jen Parsons ‘26 is a stalwart of the paper and a model of patience and flexibility. Her eye for design is unteachable, and I suspect we’ll lose at least a third of our regular audience with the demise of Jen Tries.

News Editor Andreas Pelekis ‘26 is the heart of this publication. No one dreams bigger than him, and his unbeatable nose for both good stories and microscopic errors is invaluable.

Behind the scenes, we are also saying goodbye to our advisor, the incomparable and irreplaceable Judy Peet. 

Judy joined The Lafayette in 2013, and in the decade or so since, she has been an ever-reliable voice guiding us through our stickiest articles. In her stead, we welcome Anthony Salamone, who recently left The Morning Call, bringing with him a wealth of writing experience and a robust understanding of the Lehigh Valley. He cemented his place on his very first production night, when he pulled out a Tupperware of batteries and repaired the newsroom clock.

It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but our 316 once-blank pages are full, and it’s time to hand over the keys to the 2026-27 editorial board.

Clara Witmer ‘27 will take the helm as editor-in-chief. The former news editor has spent the past semester abroad in Bhutan, and I have every confidence she will steer this paper in directions I never could have dreamed. She speaks softly, carries a big stick and is cool as a cucumber when it counts.

Benjamin White ‘27 will return as managing editor, joined by current sports editor Dan Sullivan ‘27. Benjamin is persistent and tenacious, and after working by his side for the past year, I know the paper is in good hands. Dan has an unrivaled ability to stand on business and a writing vocabulary that will knock your socks off — so, Go Birds.

Miley Hamilton ‘27 will return from Italy to take custody of the paper’s curb appeal, with Benjamin Morris ‘28 to assist. This duo knows design rules well enough to break them, and I’m sure they’ll keep all 12 pages pretty in print.

Luca Ferrucci ‘27 will return from Germany as our lead strategist, and Noam Raich ‘28 will again serve as our business director. Rounding out the team will be Katelyn Crawford ‘29, Jennifer Mah ‘29, Chloe Miller ‘28 and Aurora Selig ‘27. I’m preemptively on the edge of my seat, waiting to hear about whatever schemes this group will concoct.

Austin Carey ‘27 will return to his rightful role as photo editor, assisted by Zach Marshall ‘28, to elevate each story with just the right photo.

At the head of the news team will be Harrison Meyer ‘29, assisted by Makenna McCall ‘27. I have every faith this pair is equipped for what’s ahead, even as The Lafayette shoulders an ever-heavier role covering the surrounding city and community.

The culture section will be led by Ben Saalman ‘28, assisted by Nathan Oun ‘29 and Gabriela Perilli ‘29. This trio is refreshingly creative, and I look forward to seeing what they stir up.

Brea White ‘28 will take up the mantle as sports editor. The section has been hitting its stride lately, and I trust she will carry that momentum forward.

I am unbearably proud of this group, and unbelievably excited to see what they do with the 27 issues ahead of them. You are in for a treat.

Thank you for everything.

Sincerely,

Elisabeth Seidel