Roche decides to throw in the towel

After five semesters in the captain’s chair, The Arbiter’s Production Manager Mike Roche will step down. Throughout the years, Roche brought The Arbiter’s design to its pinnacle, winning several national awards including twice in Best of Collegiate Design, 2004.

Roche first came to The Arbiter as a last resort. "I needed a summer job and it was either this – or Wal-mart," said Roche. "So every time the deadline pressure gets really bad I just think about standing behind a register. I’m really thankful this paper gave me a shot."

Not sure if he would get the job, Roche fibbed on his application, an indiscretion he only recently admitted.

Not long into his first semester, Roche’s passion for newspaper design emerged. According to Roche, the art department doesn’t teach newspaper design – a handicap he diligently worked through.

"There are all these little rules you have to follow and I had to teach myself everything I know," said Roche. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed and the following semester he was promoted to assistant production manager.

Following his semester as an assistant, Roche was promoted to head of The Arbiter’s production team – a role he was well suited for. "I was really motivated to give Boise State a quality product," Roche said. "Now this paper is featured next to other colleges with triple the staff size and budget. I’m really proud of that."

Although at times surly, Roche proved himself as a hard worker and talented designer, said current Editor-in-Chief Mary Dawson.

"Working with Mike has been a rewarding experience," Dawson said. "No matter how much pressure we put him under, he still managed to come through in the end."

Assistant News Editor Carolyn Michaud likens Roche’s job to that of putting together a puzzle. "No matter what pieces we throw at him, he puts them together," said Michaud. "He’s an artist in his own right."

"I give full credit to the quality layout of the sports section to Mike," Sports Editor Trevor Horn said. "I will miss the lovely man so darn much."

Roche will truly be missed by The Arbiter staff and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Cheers Mikey!

The Arbiter Staff

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