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Posted by Tom Hoopes

Monday, July 27, 2009 8:32 AM

I have happy news — that’s also sad news.

I have been offered, and have accepted, a position at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. My last day at the Register (as an editor) will be Aug. 7.

This is difficult because leaving the National Catholic Register and Faith & Family magazine feels like leaving family. I have written for the Register for 20 years. My first paycheck as a published writer came from the Register. I’ve been its executive editor for 10 years. Six years ago, April and I became editorial directors of Faith & Family magazine. These have been the most professionally satisfying of my career. I love the work these publications do and hope to be more visible in them — with actual bylines.

I’m grateful for my years here also because they made my new position possible. I will be director of strategic communications at Benedictine College, helping the school meet advancement goals. I’ll also have the title writer in residence and hope to take the opportunity to continue journalistic writing. I will teach two classes and work on getting necessary credentials to do more.

This is a career change April and I have been talking about for years, and it’s good to see it reaching fruition. We are both excited about the great things happening at Benedictine, academically and on campus. It is led by a team of innovative, committed people, and there is a solid infrastructure in all departments that sets it apart. It is clearly becoming one of the great Catholic colleges in America.

I thank Circle Media and Father Owen Kearns, our publisher, for the enormous opportunities I’ve been given. April and I will miss everyone here very much. You’ll hear more from me on this in the next issue of the Register.

Filed under weekend commentary