Saying 'aloha' to a leader

The Hawaiian word "aloha" can be used as a greeting, a farewell or to express love. \nWhen IDS publisher Dave Adams first came to IU 13 years ago to teach journalism courses and supervise the IDS and the Arbutus yearbook, students and staffers said "aloha" to a man with a strong journalism background. \nAfter graduating cum laude in English with a journalism concentration from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., Adams became a high school teacher and student press adviser to award-winning publications. Adams taught and led newsroom staffs at Fort Hays State University and Kansas State.\nIn 1989, Adams came to IU to teach and supervise the IDS and Arbutus. Throughout his career, he has been a leader in student publications, a staunch defender of the free press and an outstanding adjunct professor of journalism.\nAt IU, Adams has lead the IDS and Arbutus staffs through moments of triumph and tragedy, from victory in national soccer championships to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Adams' leadership allowed students to use their own creativity and innovation and the freedom to learn from their own mistakes. \nThis fall, students and staffers learned that they would again have to say "aloha" to Dave, this time as a farewell. He is taking a leave of absence from IU to teach journalism in Hawaii. While he is gone, the IDS and Arbutus welcome interim publisher Nancy Comiskey, who comes to us from the Indianapolis Star.\nWe are sad to see Dave go and will miss his guidance and friendship, but we congratulate him on the next step in his career and wish him all the best.\nAfter 13 years, IDS and Arbutus staffs past and present say "aloha," we love you, to a strong leader and a good friend. We say "aloha," we love you, to a man who has continually pushed student publications to a new level of excellence. We say "aloha," we love you, to a man whose door, and heart, have always been open to his students.