Without a farewell

The Minnesota Daily’s editorial staff left their office at University Office Plaza in March after President Gabel announced the suspension of in-person classes and activities as part of the University’s precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19. Although the paper continues to operate online, the Daily’s class of 2020 had a blunt end to their careers as student journalists. The office still carries the signs of the past March: personal belongings, name tags and notes left by graduated staff members and whiteboards with dates of the last in-person meetings. Former features editor Audrey Kennedy, former copy desk chief Layna Darling and former managing editor Max Chao comment on the experience of suddenly leaving behind the space where an important part of their college experience took place; for them, the office holds sentimental value.