8A • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2001
'Kansan' adviser provided laughs, advice for more than 15 years
By J. R. Mendoza
Kansan staff writer
Not even a stroke kept Tom Eblen from his morning critique of The University Daily Kansan.
Eblen still read the newspaper front to back, using his red, felt-tip pen to note the paper's strengths and weaknesses. He posted the critique in the newsroom.
"I didn't miss a day," he said. "The critique was done with my left hand. It looks like grade-school printing, but it was there."
But his daily critique of students' efforts will come to an end when the general manager and news adviser of the student publication retires, effective Friday, Dec. 21.
Malcolm Gibson, assistant professor of journalism, will replace Eblen.
Eblen has advised hundreds of KU students during his 15-and-a-half-year career in the School of Journalism and has taught reporting and editing courses.
Tom Eblen, left, retires this semester after 15-and-a-half years as general manager of The University Daily Kansan. Eblen served cake to incoming general manager Malcolm Gibson Monday during a farewell party in the Kansan newsroom.
about journalism than anyone you'd dream of."
Many of those students described Eblen as someone who provided guidance and advice.
Eblen said some of his memories of his tenure at the Kansan came from picking up the paper every day.
"He was like a grandfather figure," said Kevin Bates, Topeka graduate student who took advanced reporting in 1996. "He's someone who knows more
On any given morning, he could recall feeling his heart going into his throat after looking at something that might cause a problem.
"It's important to emphasize it is the exception not the rule," Eblen said. "You learn to really trust the students and respect the effort they make to present the truth in a meaningful context."
Eblen said the Kansan had come a long way since he became adviser, citing the paper's move in the '90s from printing at University Press of Kansas to printing at The Lawrence Journal-World.
JAMIE ROPER/KANSAN
Register, was Kansan editor-in-chief during Spring 1998. She remembered Eblen for his sarcastic, dry humor.
He said he still kept in contact with many of the students he advised during his 15-year career working with the Kansan.
Bates said Eblen had helped him and others find internships and jobs.
"He set up my first interview with The Emporia Gazette," Bates said. "He's a good advocate for beginning reporters."
"Tom taught me the value of humor in the newsroom and how to stay calm in the worst possible situation," she said. "But you know when he's serious."
Lindsey Henry, city hall reporter for The Des Moines
Mark McCormick, crime and safety team leader at The Wichita Eagle, took advanced reporting with Eblen in 1988 and 1989.
"He was very kind," McCormick said. "A good teacher can be like a parent — he gives in ways you couldn't possibly repay. One was inspiring you and also building your confidence."
Kursten Phelps, this semester's editor-in-chief of the Kansan, said Eblen often gave her professional and personal advice. She said he advised her during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"He helped me deal with having to figure out how to run a newsroom in a crisis situation," said Phelps, Manhattan senior.
Eblen's wife, Jeannie, said the work her husband had done at the Kansan was fantastic.
"Students are lucky to have someone like him who is concerned with how they do academically and how their jobs fit in with
their personal life," Jeannie Eblen said. "He's focused on trying to do the best for his students."
James Gentry, dean of journalism, said Eblen had done a good job in a position that could be difficult.
"It's a difficult job because he
has to balance and doesn't control anything on the editorial side," Gentry said. "He works with students to ensure the quality of the product and the standards the school maintains."
ries from alumni who had worked with Eblen at the Kansan.
Gentry said he often heard sto-
"I'm impressed with the level of respect students and alumni have for Tom," Gentry said.
Contact Mendoza at 864-4810
Wordsmith. Mentor. Teacher. Motivator. Colleague. Adviser. Journalist. Friend Kansan.
Thank you, Tom Eblen.
KANSAS STATE COLLEGIAN
Warm wishes Tom, you will be missed.
"Thanks for a great career."
Aaron Marvin & Grey Montgomery
"Thanks for a great career."
John D. & Grey Montgomery
CONGRATULATIONS,TOM
Thanks for everything. With every good wish, Andy Obermueller
Tom Ebben, general manager years of service 1985-2001
Congratulations on 15 $ _{1/2} $ years at The University Daily Kansan
Goodbye Tom
You've been our teacher, our adviser, our cook and our friend. Aspiring journalists have learned their trade from the best of the best for $ 15^{1 / 2} $ years. Your wisdom and wit will be sorely missed.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY