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I recently received news from my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-
Platteville, that my advisor and mentor Dr. Art Ranney will be retiring
at the end of the semester. He has spent 17 years teaching at the university,
helping students understand various subjects in the journalism spectrum and
holding various job responsibilities across campus.
Going to college was sort of scary for a young lady who wanted to go into
journalism. There were many who doubted the degree; sometimes I even
doubted myself. But I always felt a push in the right direction from those
around me who felt journalism was still alive and could continue to thrive.
I remember the stories Art would tell his classes of his days working in
the newspaper industry and the times he spent working and pursuing his degrees
in Ohio. I wondered if I'd have stories like his some day.
And I always thought if I got burnt out in the newspaper industry, I could
try to teach kids how to do it, although the idea of being a professor is still
not a very appealing one to me.
I remember my first gig at The Exponent, UW-P's student newspaper. I
didn't know anyone as a freshman so Art suggested I start at the copy desk,
editing work that someone else had already written. There were four of us
that spent a couple hours on deadline night passing articles around and catching
the tiniest mistakes. I remember the copy editor, Cliff, who always had
something funny to tell us. I wonder what he's up to today.
I remember when I finally grew my wings and started writing for the publication.
Art wanted at least three sources for each story?! That seemed absurd!
In the press release I received from UW-P announcing his retirement, a
quote from Art wrapped up the piece. It said: "After two or three years, there
won't be any students here who know me. My legacy, if there is such a thing,
is sending students out into the larger community, students who have gained
useful knowledge and who want to use it in an ethical fashion."
I feel like I use things you taught me every day, Art. And although yes,
students three years from now may not know you, but for each of those students
there are dozens more who will remember what you taught them and
will carry the wisdom you passed on throughout their careers and every day
lives.
Your students will always remember.
Enjoy retirement, Art.