SMC reprints yearbook
MELANIE BECKER
News Writer
Saint Mary's students returning this fall expecting to receive their yearbook, The Blue Mantle, were due for disappointment.
Linda Timm, vice-president of Student Affairs announced that due to errors in the publication of the book, copies would not be available until late September at the earliest.
The publication mistakes were detected shortly before the school year began when administrators reviewed the yearbook, making the decision that the book needed revisions and then would be reprinted.
While administrators have not explained what errors or problems were the cause of the reprinting, there were several typographical mistakes found. The administration, specifically Linda Timm and George Rosenbush, student activities director, determined that there were too many inaccuracies to distribute the yearbook at registration.
"There were errors and some problems that are in the process of being taken care of," Courtney Boyle, Blue Mantle Editor said.
The class of 2002 received their books over the summer before the mistakes were found. A few weeks later they were mailed a letter from Timm instructing them to keep the original books and that "they were now in possession of the only copies to be distributed of the uncorrected copy of the yearbook."
They would receive their corrected copies at a later, undermined date. The current classes of 2003, 2004 and 2005 will only be given the corrected copies of the book.
"I wouldn't have known about the mistakes if we hadn't been informed, which indicates that they are minor," Jessica Coulter, a 2002 graduate said. "The mistakes in the current yearbook are not going to taint the memories that I have. I don't think that there is a real need to reprint all of our books."
In order to correct the mistakes Walsworth Publishing Company has agreed to reprint all of the copies of the book for what Saint Mary's felt was a reasonable cost. Student Activity fees will be making up the cost of reprinting the yearbooks. Students pay an annual student activity fee of $150, and an additional $50 for a yearbook, both of which are included into the cost of tuition.
Walsworth Publishing Company is currently working to fix the problems, and plans for the 2002-2003 Blue Mantle are in the works.
"We have fantastic representation with the company, the people we work with are outstanding. They are being very cooperative and understanding about the reprinting of the book," Boyle said.
Overall the student body has been patient and understanding towards the yearbook staff regarding the matter, Boyle added.
"If the yearbook staff felt that it was important enough to reprint the book then I trust that it affected someone greatly and I wouldn't think twice about having to wait for it," said Whitney Ross, a Saint Mary's senior.
All News Stories for Tuesday, September 10, 2002
