A new 'Prince,' an ongoing story

Today's paper is the first published by the 131st managing board of The Daily Princetonian. After all the late nights spent at the beck and call of our seniors, we entered the newsroom today as newly minted editors.

That new responsibility brings with it excitement and trepidation. We look back on the 130-year history of this newspaper with pride; we look forward to what it can become with optimism.

For more than a century, the 'Prince' has been a powerful force on campus, uncovering issues that would have otherwise remained hidden, telling tales that would have otherwise gone unheard. From the mansions on Prospect Avenue to the marble walls of Nassau Hall, we have and shall continue to chronicle the ever-evolving history of this University.

We're honored to take over the reins of this institution. We look forward to putting out a paper that not only keeps you — our readers — apprised of campus events and trends, but also makes you consider, debate and perhaps rethink the way you look at our University.

We are the first group of editors to inherit a paper that is free to every student on campus, with a readership larger than ever before. We also inherit a website that is viewed by more people than ever before, people spread across the country and scattered around the globe.

We will strive to deserve this attention.

We will write about powerful campus organizations and marginalized minority groups, accomplished alumni and teenage applicants. We will seek to illustrate the Princeton experience — inside and outside FitzRandolph Gate — to the best of our ability. The priority for the editors of this paper is to ensure that the power of truth on our front page and the power of persuasion on this page be put to good use.

But as much as we, the editors, consider this to be our paper, it belongs more fully to you, our readers. Every article we write, every photo we take, every editorial we publish is done with the goal of serving the University community.

This page was created to serve as a forum for campus-wide conversation and debate. Read it. Reflect on it. Contribute to it. You're the ones who give lively and compelling voices to the many facets of Princeton.

When we do something that you think either hits the target or misses the mark, we hope we will hear from you. If it makes you want to rip the 'Prince' into shreds, tell us. If it makes you want to pin it on your wall, tell us. We want to know.

The 131st board believes that the 'Prince' has never had a more important role to play in the Princeton community and outside it. We invite you to help make the 'Prince' the best newspaper it can be, to contribute to and shape its role, to influence its ever-growing impact. It's your prerogative. It's your paper.