Ruth Lincoln, Senior Sports Editor

No experience at this university has been as enriching as my time at the Daily. I'm so thankful I stumbled into 420 Maynard as a sophomore and became part of something bigger than myself.

I learned more from Carol Hutchins, John Beilein and Rich Rodriguez than I could have ever imagined. Experiencing historic places like Assembly Hall, Madison Square Garden, Kansas City and the pressbox at Michigan Stadium every Saturday still gives me chills. I hate to be self-serving, but what makes the Daily so special, and what I will always remember, is the people.

Thank you to my parents. Your unconditional love and support has meant so much to me. To my mom, for suggesting I join the Daily. To my dad for reading every one of my articles and sharing your enthusiasm. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful role models. I love you both so much and there is nothing else for which I am more thankful.

My beatmates -- Mike, Andy, Courtney, Alex, Kohler, Ian, AO -- you made every road trip an experience and seasons of ups and downs overwhelmingly positive. Thank you for all your helpful suggestions, highway conversations and caring personalities. Thank you to the SIDs for making our jobs a little easier.

To all my wonderful friends. You're the reason I stayed. I've never met more highly motivated, diligent, intelligent and above all genuine people in one place. Thank you to my beatmates, Gjon, Chantel, Ryan K, Mark B, Chris M, Chris H, Nate, Jose, Brom, Ian R, Jack, Mark G, Scott, Amy, Podges, Colt, Nicole, Mike, Nick, Tim, Lisa, Clif, Zach, Said, Chanel, and all those I'm forgetting.

Thank you to Gary for wonderful leadership and relentlessly positive attitude as EIC. It's been a pleasure to work with you.

To all the editors who came before me and took a chance on me. I hope I didn't disappoint you too much.

To Angelique, Mark Snyder, Chris Balas and John Borton. Your time, thoroughness and talent have made Michigan beat writing so renowned. It's been a pleasure to learn from you these last two years.

To John Lowe, for his tireless compassion, understanding and brilliant suggestions. You made my stories more thoughtful, colorful and enjoyable and my time at the Daily as well.

Finally I want to thank my current and former housemates for being consummate friends. And my boyfriend for making me so happy.

Jessica Vosgerchian, Magazine Editor

Daily — you were the best and worst part of my college career.

Fuck you. Thank you.

Allie Ghaman, Managing Design Editor

During the Welcome Week of freshman year, I walked into the Daily's office and instantly found the career I was born to pursue.

Like the majority of my best decisions, it was a serendipitous accident.

I had popped out of high school with a love of black and white film photography and proudly had my three-ring binder portfolio with me, to apply to Photostaff.

The photo editor that fateful evening was Alex, a very nice man as I later learned, but hawkish and stern-looking. I got about three yards away from him before I quailed in my little freshman boots, lost my courage and turned a 180 to retreat.

I found myself looking at the design editor, Bridget O'Donnell. She was smiling and looked approachable, and though I didn't know a serif from a section sign, I decided I'd give design a try. I went to talk to her.

I didn't know that I'd just met the young woman who would become my best friend. But I did know, a few days later, when I clumsily threw together my first print page, that I had found a complex, exotic and rewarding field that immediately resonated with me.

I remember walking to a Daily party in the winter of my freshman year with a writer, another freshman, and talking about what we wanted to get from the Daily. I told her that I wanted to be one of the group of managing editors, closely bonded to the other editors and to the Daily. The sleepless nights, the emotional intensity, the huge responsibility — I knew what I was getting into, but I wanted it all.

Two years later, I got just that. And though my year as managing design editor was one of the hardest of my life, I wouldn't have traded one moment of it. I grew immensely as a person and as a designer.

I am certainly not a natural designer. Especially in my first year on design staff, acquiring every new skill was a battle. It's still a thrilling but intense learning process.

But I have been so fortunate to have found editors and colleagues at the Daily who are talented, helpful and have patient with me from day one.