First Call has watched three separate editorial dynasties write, reign, and graduate.  There have been controversies (with Wharton Women and wily Wharton MBA’s in ye olden days), there have been funding issues, and there have been exciting stories and exposé’s, including the Glee Club’s 2403 debacle and the tale of the horny horsemen.  In spite of a tumultuous move from the Wharton Journal office to the basement of Gregory to the Kelly Writer’s House pub-room and an internal transition from a commentary on Wharton undergraduate life to a Penn-wide mouthpiece, First Call has tried to remain consistent in its quest to provide a medium for thought-provoking commentary on the University as a whole and the world at large. 

This year has seen a whole new crop of writers and artists grow as they contributed their wit and creativity each week; it has seen a set of layout editors give First Call a smashing facelift while a genuinely good time was had by all; it has seen the stunning replacement of a site-o-saur with a new, truly interactive website; it has seen friendships flower; and it has seen First Call find its own path in the midst of natural and externally-imposed growing pains.

What, then, is there to say about the future?  The stars are certainly shining more brightly than they ever have in the past.  This summer the website will continually be updated with commentary from our writers as they summer across the world, and next year will bring First Call to more distant frontiers than its creators could have imagined.  No matter what the future holds, however, any college commentary is only as good as its contributors have been.  So, we will close the year with warm thanks to our graduating seniors, whom we will sorely miss:   

Stephanie Craven: A longstanding cartoonist who most brilliantly left her mark with her illustration of this year’s Firstcallism debutante (see the website for 09/05/05 issue in First Call archives) and other punchy drawings, Stephanie also has written several pieces about reactions to her Classical Studies major.  We will miss her artistic accompaniments to our writers’ work almost as much as her hilarious anecdotes.

Mickey Jou: Mickey started her column with reviews of campus performance groups.  After enough a cappella and back-to-basics theater to last a lifetime, she branched out to movie reviewing, told fascinating tales while she was on a semester at sea, and brought a kinder perspective to a paper that could be too filled with attitude.

Sarah Ramler: Sarah joined us all the way from Melbourne, Australia for the past semester!  She was a regular helping hand at our weekly layout sessions and she also contributed some delicious pieces of creative writing.  We will sorely miss her fun-loving spirit and her spectacular accent, and we hope to be kept abreast of her future spankin’ publishing career.

Liz Thomas: Liz has contributed an uproarious perspective on the week’s events for the past year.  Whether she was making fun of Britney, other fixings of pop culture, or world politics, Liz has occupied a unique place in FC that will not easily be filled.

And, finally:

Rob Forman: Rob is television’s next best bet.  His poppy ipod collection, generosity, and easygoing personality have brought innumerable smiles to the editorial and layout staffs (and DU partygoers).  He has spent the past four years contributing to First Call on all levels, starting with his cutting-edge insight on TV entertainment in his weekly column, My Thirteen Inch Box.  However, Rob’s biggest accomplishment was leading First Call through a very difficult period, as editor-in-chief.  Where others may have given up, Rob persisted and fought on.  We’ll miss you, and good luck in LA!