Hello Panthers! Welcome back to another year at UNI. I want to wish an especially warm welcome to new students: I am so glad you are here with us this year. I am extremely excited for the new school year (as my fellow NI staff members can attest, I have been sending them emails exclaiming my excitement for school and work since the beginning of August).

Back to school time is one of my favorite times of the year. I love getting my school supplies and backpack all ready for me to continue learning, as well as seeing my friends. Back to school time in college is especially fun because I get to come back to Cedar Falls, see my friends and continue my education at this fine institution.

Of course, this summer has been full of news on the local, state, national and international levels and I spent most of my time diligently reading stories and designing pages as a copy editor intern at the Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Prior to becoming the executive editor of the NI, I was a photographer and held the art director position for the past year and a half. I hope with my experience that I am able to bring the best quality of content to you over the next two semesters.

I vividly remember my first interaction with the Northern Iowan. I dragged my mom to the bookstore on my first college visit to purchase my new UNI wardrobe, since I took little convincing that UNI was where I belonged. While we were checking out, I saw a stack of newspapers at the register and the cashier said I could take one. I started looking at the paper in the car on our way home and I knew I had to get involved. I found that copy of the Northern Iowan while I was cleaning my room this summer and would be lying if I said it didn’t make me emotional.

As executive editor, I will strive to make this the best student newspaper we can possibly produce. I heavily encourage our readers to interact with our content. Create discussions. The paper is a living, breathing being that is constantly changing and open to criticism and critique. If you have something to say, we want to listen. We are always accepting letters to the editor. You can send them to me at [email protected]. If you are interested in writing or photography, please consider contacting me or applying on our website.

UNI is a very special place and I feel so lucky to be able to call it home for the past 3 years.

I wish you all the best of luck with your school year. Go Cats!

Gabby Leitner

Executive Editor, Northern Iowan