Learning from one of the best

It seems like only yesterday that I walked into the office of the Gazette with a couple of short stories and a diary of sorts and sat down in Gene Morris' office to ask him and Gazette editor Bruce Crosby for a job as a reporter. That was six and and a half years ago.

For some reason, they decided to take a chance on me.

Throughout my employment at the Gazette, the two of them mentored me, taking me from a part-time reporter to city editor and director of special editions within a year of beginning my job there.

There were times (more than I care to count) when we disagreed on the direction a story should take or the way a special project should go together, but we were always able to work through those differences and put out a product we could both be proud of.

He was always willing to share his opinion, even if I didn't always agree with him. But with his critique came an explanation.

Gene helped me just as he has helped so many throughout his career in the newspaper business.

I'm glad to hear he's planning on staying on with the Gazette, even after his retirement as publisher. Gene has a wealth of knowledge and an understanding of the newspaper business that some of us can only dream of. In his new position he can continue sharing that knowledge with others who are starting out in the business and those that have been in the business for several years.

To those who have the opportunity to work under the tutelage of this long time newspaper man, I give this advice -- listen and learn. I can't think of anyone who has taught me more.