Campus bids farewell to Hanrahan

Solidarity with T.R. Hanrahan. That was the message May 6 as students, faculty and staff gathered at the flagpole.

Hanrahan, who has served as adviser to The Chart and journalism instructor for five years at Missouri Southern, was recently notified his services will not be retained by the University.

Students responded by marching to the campus Oval during the annual spring picnic to show their support for Hanrahan.

More than 30 gathered at Webster Hall and marched single file to the picnic, many carrying handmade signs. There they were joined by many more, including faculty and staff members.

Speaking through a loudspeaker, various students addressed the crowd under the flagpole and spoke of the impact Hanrahan has had on their lives.

"It was very nice to see how much students care and appreciate the hard work of the last five years," Hanrahan said. "The greatest pleasure I've had in my time here has been getting to know them."

Hanrahan was presented with a plaque from students in the Department of Communications thanking him for his five years of service. He also received a framed copy of a Faculty Senate resolution praising his work with the newspaper.

"I knew my newspaper students appreciated things we were trying to do on the paper but I didn't know that the appreciation was so extensive from people who have only taken one class," Hanrahan said. "It's very humbling."

A search for his replacement is expected to begin this summer. Hanrahan has been told his last day on the job is July 15.

University officials have remained mum on the issue. Dr. Jay Moorman, Communications Department head, said he couldn't comment on personnel matters, but pledged The Chart's tradition of investigative reporting would continue under Hanrahan's successor.

"It's been a blast working with these students," Hanrahan said. "I hope the newspaper remains as strong in the future as it is today."