As the 127th editorial board puts this final paper of 2009 to bed, we reflect on some turbulent times on the Hill. This past year, the community stood by as our fair University implemented drastic changes that will fundamentally alter the character of Cornell. Meanwhile, we at The Sun narrated the process as best we could, providing the facts, fostering dialogue and offering criticism where we felt it was needed.

We played a critical role here as an independent watchdog of the University and voice of the student body. For many of us, this past year has been a lesson in journalism that no formal education could ever provide. How do we responsibly uncover and deliver delicate facts and information that is consequential to lives of all students, staff and faculty? How do we articulate ideas and suggestions regarding Cornell’s future, without spurring unnecessary speculation and fear? As student journalists, we made discoveries — and a fair share of mistakes — along the way, but most importantly we hosted what has been a vital cross-campus conversation.

And while past editors in chief and their respective boards have left significant marks on The Sun — whether it be by making the paper free to all readers, launching a website or traveling to China — we think that providing a venue for this dialogue has been ours.

The cyclical nature of Sun leadership ensures that every year will generate something new and exciting for the paper. This year, we editors and managers were met with the same unprecedented restraints that are plaguing newspapers around the world. As a new media environment is slowly and not-quite-surely altering its business models, The Sun too has had to “reimagine” itself in the wake of the economic storm.

We've cut page counts, redesigned our layout, relaunched our weekend magazine among other things that may not have been visible to our readers. But despite this, there is still room for change. And that is why we are looking forward to the coming semester, as a new generation of writers, photographers, designers, techies, artists, financiers, marketers and sales people prepare to take the reigns and steer The Sun to new heights in the near future.

In January, a competition will commence for positions on The Sun’s 128th editorial board. For six weeks, The Sun will be in the hands of ambitious leaders, all of whom will bring innovation and new energy to the 129-year-old institution that is The Cornell Daily Sun. Every day, The Sun transforms. Brave souls will pour their everything into making this paper a stronger more sustainable product.

As we pass the torch, we hope you — our readers — continue to play the invaluable role you've played throughout the past few months. Thanks for reading.

— E.C.