I just wanted to take the time to commend you and all the staff at The Northern Star for the excellent job I feel you’re doing with the paper.

Once I started at NIU three years ago I’ve noticed an unmistakable increase in both the quality of the reporting and the variety and focus of the paper as a whole. It is acquiring a polish and “tone” that, in my opinion, place it on a par with the finest of college newspapers.

I know a few people who work on the Star and consequently am aware of the tremendous time and effort that goes in to each issue. The students, faculty and administration of NIU should all be thankful for that effort and for the quality of the finished product they receive as a result.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank you for adding the cartoon strip “Calvin and Hobbes” to your Fun & Games lineup. It’s my favorite strip and with its addition I feel you’ve put together a first rate comics page. I must confess that the comics are the first thing I turn to each morning when I pick up the Star. They’re a wonderfully refreshing way to start the day.

My congratulations to Todd Persche for creating what is not only a fine cartoon strip, but a familiar and humorous look at NIU campus life in general. Some thought should be given to producing a Rodent Speak collection. It would surely be something that we future alumni could smile and laugh about for years to come.

Thank you again and please don’t stop what you’re doing—it is appreciated!

Michael Carpenter

Senior

English