I was fortunate enough to be editor for the 100th birthday. The readers were fortunate to have Idris Traylor rather than me write the anniversary story. As a microbiology major, I felt way over my head as a magazine editor/designer.
. . . I had a lot of fun with something I called the “Pardini Factor” which has afflicted many Journal editors since the 1970’s.
In truth, I had a lot of fun with this frivolity 20 years ago. Julian Pardini would spot an old friend in the Journal and then write me a letter complaining about my lack of judgment in including such a person in the magazine. Of course, Julian would carbon copy his old friend and all of us would have a good laugh.
Thanks for giving me the excuse to recall some truly great times on the staff with my mentors, friends, and colleagues Bill Forester, Dick Barnes and Tom Tune.
Bob Lyon,
Journal Editor, 1977-1984
current Vice Chancellor, Univ. of Tenn. - Chattanooga
I remember having fun putting the Journal together and getting a lot of assistance from the rest of the office. Back then, we were a much smaller operation so we many times helped each other. I recall going along with Bill Garner to interview Ferrol Sams (author) and Robert Crandall (then CEO of American Airlines) which were great experiences. Working for KA was one of the most fun times of my life. It also gave me an opportunity to grow personally and professionally at a pace which exceeded my most optimistic expectations. I have fond memories of my days at 3379 Peachtree and in Lexington.
Ken Jackson,
Journal Editor, 1986-1987
currently leading realtor in Florence, SC
Serving as editor of the KA Journal was the formative experience of my professional life. After studying newspaper journalism and working as a police beat reporter, I found myself, at 24, greatly intrigued with magazines. So it was a stroke of luck when Executive Director Dick Barnes, whom I had met as an undergrad, called out of the blue and inquired about my interest in the position.
In my two and a half years in Lexington as Journal editor, I learned every aspect of putting out a magazine, not the least of which was how to communicate with a readership that spanned from 18 to 80 years old. I sharpened my skills as an interviewer with notable alums such as Oscar-winning director Delbert Mann and others. And in 1991, when I began receiving letters and photos from KAs serving thousands of miles away in the first Gulf War, I realized what a vital tool the Journal is for binding our members together even beyond the undergraduate experience.
Finally, working with people such as Bill Forester, the entire national office staff, and the executive council taught me a great deal about conducting myself as a professional (though I’m sure most would have preferred my hair cut a bit shorter).
My current job, editing features and entertainment coverage for Playboy magazine, is as different from my duties as Journal editor as you would probably imagine. But I’ve never been prouder of the work or the associations I made, than while editing the Kappa Alpha Journal. I wish it another wonderful 125 years.
Steven C. Russell,
Journal Editor, 1990-1992
current Deputy Editor, Playboy
My most memorable interviews include Colorado Governor Bill Owens. I will never forget a special visit to Quantico military base in Northern Virginia where Larry and I visited with Lt Col. Lee Ragland, a presidential pilot for Marine I. Seeing those white top helicopters was awe-inspiring to say the least.
The toughest challenges were no doubt writing about our fallen brothers. It was heart wrenching to author the stories found in the memorial section of brothers who had died.
Some fond memories include the many jovial and enlightening interactions with Walter, our longtime press operator. He always entered my office with a joke to share or a story to tell. He shared in the many frustrations of printing and last minute requests.
Another fond memory I’ll always have is hearing Larry’s boisterous laugh from anywhere in the building!! No matter what mood I was in, or how tied up in an article I was, it always made me laugh.
Matt Bonner,
Journal Editor, 2000-2002
currently Communications Coordinator
with HCA in Nashville, Tenn.
