BLOG: Meeting the thirsty Al Neuharth

It’s that time of year where I would typically blog about end-of-semester stresses and the fact that I’m done being Verve editor.

But I’m not going to.

Instead, I’m going to write about something I think is more important; the death of Al Neuharth.

The man was a legend in the media. He started USA Today, among other entities, and contributed greatly to the success of the journalism program at the University of South Dakota. His contributions were ultimately the reason I came to college here.

Al, as a person, was put on a pedestal here in the Neuharth building. As he should be, the building is named after him. He was always here in the fall for the annual Neuharth Awards, and that’s when I met him for the first time.

Picture this; I’m a timid 18-year-old in a black dress with little multi-colored flowers on it. The “elite” journalists from the area surround me and I’ve been told to make connections with all of them, which seems impossible. My heels are making my feet hurt and I’m sweating profusely.

That’s when USD’s journalist in residence comes up behind me.

“Anna, it’s time to meet Al.”

We make the trek across the crowded halls of the Neuharth building to a small man in a bright red suit who is surrounded by people. The famous Al Neuharth is being introduced to my peers one by one before me, and I am going to be the last one in the bunch.

“Anna, this is Mr. Neuharth,” I hear faintly as people clear the way for us to meet.

“Hello sir,” I stick out my hand without skipping a beat, even though my heart is pounding and I’m extremely aware that I have a wedgie.

But suddenly Al is moving. He sticks his hand out and gives me one of the quickest handshakes I’ve ever gotten while simultaneously using my arm to catapult himself past me.

“Nice to meet you,” he says quietly as he whizzes past my right ear.

And suddenly, the moment is over. I’m left dazed and confused with my arm still partially extended in front of me.

My natural reaction is to turn and see why the angst-filled little man was in such a hurry to get by me. I can’t help but smile when I see that he’s standing at the bar, waiting impatiently for a drink.

The poor guy was thirsty.

I can’t blame him one bit for needing a drink. That event can get pretty long and tedious, but it’s necessary for students to make connections with editors and possible future employers.

But seriously, the guy blew me off for a drink. The famed Al Neuharth blew me off because he was thirsty.

At least it makes for an interesting story.