STAFF EDITORIAL: Bravo on 40 yrs of excellence

the Annenberg School celebrated its 40th anniversary with the unveiling of several new programs and facilities. And so, it seems an appropriate moment to reflect on the school's past glory and future promise. Founded in 1959, the Annenberg School has become a leader in the field of communications. Its professors are routine presences on the pages of the nation's major newspapers and television programs, their research is groundbreaking and agenda setting and the school's reputation is second to none. Two newly opened elements of the school highlighted the school's future promise on Wednesday. First came the official completion of $15 million in renovations to the school's Walnut Street home. In addition to a complete overhaul of the building's Walnut Street facade, the renovations also carved out a new home for the Annenberg Public Policy Center. A new video link technology, which will facilitate interaction between the center's Philadelphia and Washington branches, was also utilized Wednesday as part of the ceremonies. And the Institute for Public Service, a new part of the Public Policy Center, was also officially opened. Equally important was the opening of the Presidential Campaign Archive, a vast resource for scholars containing records of rhetoric from every presidential campaign since 1952. Both the new video link and the presidential archives stand to solidify the school's standing as a leader in the field of political communication. And the school's newly refurbished building is a fitting home as the Annenberg School continues to fund and facilitate research and study at the highest levels.