Duck: Tomer Langer
Casey Russell | Head Illustrator
Asst. Sports Copy Editor | Spring-Fall 2016; Sports Editor | Spring 2017
Simply put, The Daily Orange changed my life for the better. Everyone who spent time there had a profound impact on me. Now, I’ll try to say thanks.
Blum: You put me on a beat and gave me the chance I waited a year for. I’m forever grateful.
Schneid: Thanks for giving me a chance to grow and putting up with my questions.
Schwed: Whether you know it or not, I tried to follow your blueprint through this house. I loved that we could both always be clowns together. I value our friendship more than you value your Mountain Dew. Never forget the Jersey Savages.
Chris: Years from now, there will be a legendary debate about which one of us stuck around longer after we were done. I think the reason we did that is because we both found ourselves in similar ways at The D.O. Thanks for always believing in me, even when I didn’t.
Jon: Our trip to UConn is a highlight of my time here. From our dual majors to our general distaste for any sort of career, I could always relate to you better than others. I felt our bond get closer every time you hit me. Now, I’ll be Selena and you be Charlie.
Connor: I’ve never seen somebody who was liked here as much as you were. Your sense of humor and easy-going nature was refreshing and admirable.
Fortier: The minute I joined the staff I knew you were the one I had to catch up to. You’ve pushed me out of my comfort zone and it’s made me so much better. I’m proud that we’re going out together.
Guti: You’re as hardworking as they come, and you’ve got a simplistic love of life that I envy. Don’t ever change.
Charlie: My gabagool brother. You shocked me with your growth last year. I’m thrilled you came in house and experienced a different part of college life. Now go live it up, you’ve earned it.
Andrew: It’s clear you’ve wanted success. Now it’s in the palm of your hands. Go get it. I’ll be here to help.
Alvarez: You were always around when I needed you to be. Thank you so much for that.
Bloss: You’re one of my favorite people. I’m glad we did football together — you killed it. I’m also never going bowling with you again.
Schafer/McCleary/Billy: I’m glad to see you guys finding your ways at this place. Carve out your roles and keep working hard.
Jesse: I always knew you were looking out for me last semester, from ordering Wings to the Hopkins story. I’ll be sure to pay it forward.
Burke: Getting to be head eds together was a blast. You’re funny as hell and your drive is inspiring. Let’s play 2K at the house again — but I don’t come in until 8:30.
Sara: You were the first friend I had here. Since then, you’ve always been supportive whenever I’ve needed help, which is basically always. Keep shining bright.
Sandler: The only thing better than our shared Jewish humor was our bar mitzvah-style dance moves.
Satoshi: Keep your passion for good journalism. It’s so important.
Brigid: The world needs more people as golden and kind-hearted as you.
Casey: Love how dumb we act with each other. Pass the Newports.
Stacy/Haley/Taylor: RAINDROP! The only thing more amazing than the three of you as individuals is the bond you share together. Thanks for letting me experience a slight part of that. Let’s get Tully’s sometime.
Kathryn: Thanks for sharing my support of Cascada’s smash single “Everytime we Touch.”
Clare: Obligatory “yes, you were my COM 100 adviser.” Glad you went on to become a great friend, too.
Alex: The nicest thing someone’s ever done for me was when you opened up your home to Sam and me at 2:30 a.m. after the WLAX Final Four.
Mara: When I think of the leader I want to be, I think of you.
Chloe: I’m glad you tolerated my bad jokes on those late nights. Can’t wait till we’re in-laws.
Amanda: Glad we dropped the “hate” part of our fake love-hate relationship. You make every room you walk into a happier place.
Ally: You give off such positive energy that impacts everyone around you. Thanks for always being silly with me. *jazz hands*
Jes: Our NYC trip was unbelievably fun. Thanks for dragging me to get that pen.
Lucy: Part of me feels bad that maybe my extreme self-loathing rubbed off on you. The other part kinda loves it. Working so closely with you was so much fun (10 days straight!) but our increased time spent together outside the house is what I’ll cherish most.
Emma: You’ve got the “it” factor. Sorry I ditched you this semester, but I knew that with you at the helm, I didn’t need to be there for things to work. You’re an incredible person.
Andy: You and your eggs. Match made in heaven. You’re really funny and have such an infectious personality. Our walks back to Ernie last semester were my favorite way to end the night.
Ali: You’re such a wonderful person to be around. Your immense talent is matched only by your bubbliness. I can’t wait to try Sweet Cow with you some day. And you’re always welcome for some chicken fried rice.
Rori: I always felt like you understood me better than anyone else did. Must be a Jewish kid from the city thing. You quickly became one of my best friends, and I’m so glad that happened. You’re super talented and admirably authentic. Please remember me when you’re a famous producer. Let’s go watch SNL in person some time.
Justin: Having you in management every semester I was in house was an incredible blessing. You’re an amazing friend but an even better role model. Just stop storming the court with a “travel budget” sign.
Díaz: I don’t make it through last semester without you. You’ve got a heart of gold, and you’re the true definition of what a friend should be. I can’t wait to have more important closed-door conversations next semester.
Torrens: Our friendship has kept growing the longer we’ve known each other, and I’m so grateful for that. I’m surprised it has, given the impression I must have made in Graphics and generally still do make. I haven’t met anyone else who connects with people as well as you do, and there are few people who I know will succeed as much as you will. Let’s go to a baseball game again. I’ll bring a different sweatshirt.
Kiran: My first night transitioning, you were designing in Sports, and your personality lit up the room. I remember thinking that night that I’d be lucky to be friends with you. I’m fortunate you put up with me because your friendship is invaluable. Come home already so we can grab authentic Mexican food together.
Guy/Yael/Mom/Dad: You put up with a lot — from the pure cost of school to my ridiculous schedule to me hogging the living room to watch Syracuse games — but supported me every step of the way. תודה רבה.
Published on December 7, 2017 at 4:31 am
Contact Tomer: tdlanger@syr.edu | @tomer_langer