EVE University founder steps down
For every story of deception and betrayal in EVE Online that grabs the headlines, there are far more acts of altruism in the game's setting of New Eden. A fair amount of that goodwill is connected with EVE University [E-UNI], a corporation in the game that exists to help new players and has been doing so for nearly six years. When veteran player Morning Maniac established EVE University, he pioneered the concept of a corporation that teaches new players and exposes them to aspects of the game they would likely not experience on their own. Since its inception, EVE University has brought thousands of new players into the fold and shown them what's possible in the sandbox of New Eden. After a long tenure, however, Morning Maniac announced that he will step down as CEO of EVE University on February 1st.
He wrote: "Five years and 11 months ago I founded Eve University to create a place where new players could get together and be appreciated for who they were. Classes and doing things together were important but nothing was, and is, more important than the positive attitude towards new players."
Those founding principles of EVE University have ensured that new players can learn the ropes in a supportive environment and find camaraderie with fellow rookies and instructors alike. In addition to classes that instruct in various facets of EVE, there are also tangible benefits to being part of EVE University like ships, modules, and skillbooks. Clearly what Morning Maniac established has been beneficial to the playerbase, the corp stands at over 1400 members today.
Morning Maniac also stated: "I would like to thank everyone for putting your trust in me. When I founded the Uni I had no idea where it would go. Where we are today is far beyond anything I could have imagined. I have learned so much, I have met amazing people and had a great time. All thanks to you, members past and present of Eve University."
Morning Maniac isn't saying goodbye to EVE or to what he's established, though. He still hopes to spend time in the game but won't be involved with actually running E-UNI past this month, though of course EVE University will still keep going strong. To that end, Morning Maniac is passing on the torch to the Uni's Director of Operations, Kelduum Revaan.
As to that rarely mentioned altruism in New Eden, Kelduum Revaan should know. He said, "In a harsh universe, someone helping out a new player with no tangible benefit to themselves is clearly unusual, and it didn't take me long to realise that this isn't uncommon amongst E-UNI members."
Revaan added, "I am honoured that Morning Maniac trusts me with his vision. Eve University isn't just a corporation; it's not just the forums, killboard, wiki, assets sitting in hangars, or anything else tangible. Eve University is the community, and the spirit of helping each other out, for nothing other than the satisfaction."
Many EVE University pilots, both past and present, are thanking Morning Maniac for establishing this lasting institution in the game in the comments accompanying the announcement, and on the official game forums as well.
[Thanks StMistaken]
