My Thanks

Four years ago, when I became editor of Viking, my first task was to check final proofs for the December 2009 issue. Now, almost exactly four years later, I'm wrapping up my editorial duties as the December issue heads to the printer. It seems fitting that my tenure at Viking has been four years—the length of time it takes to earn a college degree—because the whole experience has been a real education for me.

I learned something new—often many things—with every issue of Viking that we put out. Some of my favorite topics ended up being those that I started out knowing the least about, such as Norway's progressive penal system (May 2011), the country's oil fund debate (August 2011), and its changing role in the Arctic (March 2012). Our story on Norwegian eco-fashion forever changed my shopping habits (March 2012). And it probably comes as no surprise that the most difficult story was our coverage of Norway's July 22 terror attacks (December 2011). I loved collaborating with Viking Art Director Jill Adler on our design features: Scandinavian modern design (May 2012) and my interview with design guru Genevieve Gorder (August 2011). And my favorite themed issues were without question the January travel issues!

This year's November issue included an article highlighting Sons of Norway's fraternal operations. In it, we looked back at Viking through the years. It reminded me of how many people have contributed to the magazine (and its predecessor publications) since its beginnings in 1904, and what an honor it has been to be a part of it.

Viking made its foray into the digital world a few years ago with our online edition and our contributions to this blog. I look forward to seeing where the magazine will go in the future. I know that its new editor, Ann Pedersen, along with Associate Editor Anya Britzius (whose work you've already been enjoying in the magazine) will chart a great course. I wish them all the best, and I'll be watching and reading along with all of you!

Amy Boxrud is a writer and the former editor of Viking magazine. She lives in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Photo: Nancy Bundt