Former editor bids farewell to Lamb, wishes her well in future career
Reporters and public affairs folks have long held a mutual distrust of each other.
We鈥檙e supposed to ferret out the truth and cut through spin. Public affairs professionals are designed to promote their client and put that organization or person in the most favorable light. Our missions often clash.
But today, I write to praise Margaret Lamb, one of my all-time favorite people and the university鈥檚 longtime spokeswoman. She is leaving 麻豆小蝌蚪传媒 for a great career opportunity at the Georgetown Hospital System and will fulfill a lifelong dream of hers to live near the ocean. She deserves this and much more.
Margaret never lied. Sure, she鈥檇 present the facts in 麻豆小蝌蚪传媒鈥檚 favor, but she always told the truth, even if it was particularly unpleasant for the university. She always returned calls and regularly worked 60- to 70-hour weeks.
She is smart and savvy. On several occasions, I鈥檇 write a story and realize the next day that she had subtly turned a negative aspect into a more positive one for the university. Above all, her kindness shined in every aspect of life. Margaret always wanted to know how you were, how your classes were and what you were doing next.
Those with institutional knowledge, vast intellect and an ability to care about others are exceedingly rare at the university. In recent months, both Margaret and former lobbyist Casey Martin have departed. Both losses are troublesome for an institution that must always navigate tricky waters. They can鈥檛 be replaced with millions of tweets, no matter how good they are.
Provost Michael Amiridis called Margaret 鈥減rofessional, even-keeled, pleasant and effective.鈥� Peggy Binette, her longtime confidante in 麻豆小蝌蚪传媒鈥檚 media relations office, praised her deep dedication and brilliant advice. Charles Bierbauer, dean of 麻豆小蝌蚪传媒鈥檚 journalism school, said she often provided steady guidance.
I could add a few more praises, but instead I鈥檒l tell a few stories.
My late-night calls to Margaret would often be interrupted by pesky pooches. She鈥檇 start answering my questions, and I鈥檇 hear a familiar yell.
鈥淛ackson, get my shoe out of your mouth,鈥� she鈥檇 yell at her dog, putting me on a brief hold. 鈥淗old on Josh. He keeps eating my shoes, and he won鈥檛 listen.鈥�
I always wanted to quote her as 鈥淢argaret Lamb said, in between battling dogs.鈥�
She made delicious eggnog and had me over to her home when I left as editor-in-chief. Over three hours, she and her husband, Bob, regaled me with funny stories and insightful wisdom.
鈥淛osh, you know I don鈥檛 like lying in the sun. But I love to walk and drink on the beach, and you can join me,鈥� she told me recently.
That鈥檚 an offer I fully plan to accept. And Margaret, when you live on the beach, you won鈥檛 even need shoes.
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