It’s been quite the academic year, dear North Wind reader. We’ve covered campus and national topics ranging from the number of parking spaces and the May Commencement speaker to gun regulation, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, sexual harassment and so, so much more. We found these topics important and or interesting and we hope you did too.

Northern Michigan University is somewhat representative of the world around us—some good, some bad, and even more in between it all. Our intent in addressing topics such as these was to create conversation and spark change in the campus and community.

And aspects of our campus have indeed seen change. The university has begun paving the way for additional student and visitor parking. In their last election, ASNMU saw their highest student voter response in years. New buildings are popping up with each semester. Enrollment rates have increased and university departments are starting new academic programs. There always seems to be something new on our snow-covered horizon.

While our paper may not have been the impetus for some of these initiatives, we worked diligently each week to craft a product with purpose. Whether it was addressing student or staff concerns, community and campus crime or the achievements of our students, we believe The North Wind has served as a trusted platform for the voices of each of you. We owe much of this to the faculty, staff, administration and students for their willingness to speak with us each week allowing us to fulfill our role as the student press.

Change is among us Wildcats, but let us continue on with steadfast voices when evaluating the decisions and initiatives of the university. Continue to petition the university’s recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, make the student voice heard in the commencement speaker selection process, start the organizations you’d like to be a part of during your college career, work with department heads to create the program you’d like to see printed on your degree and continue playing an active part in your campus community.

As the 2017-18 academic year comes to a close, we’re looking back fondly at our opportunity to create content with you in mind, dear reader. New staff members are making way to their respective editor desks, in preparation of another year of telling your stories with accuracy and honor.