by Tanessa Dillard
Features Editor
Seventeen years ago, the Associated Student Forum published the first issue of Prism, the literary magazine of the University of La Verne. Prisms, as it was then called, contained typewritten pages of poetry and prose. Today the contents of Prism, now published by the English and foreign language departments, remain much the same. The editorial board, however, hopes to change not only the look but the reputation of the magazine.
“Many times in the past, students have thought of (Prism) as a product of the English Department. We want it to appeal to all students,” said Carol W. Fetty, instructor of English and adviser to Prism.
“What we have found is that there are some very talented writers and poets whose majors are in business and sciences,” she added.
Besides poetry, Prism, which is published once per semester, accepts essays, short stories, photography and art.
“We are actually selecting more photography and art this year because it was somewhat limited last year,” Fetty said. Black and white or color work can be submitted, even if done for hobby or for a class.
Major format changes began last spring when the editorial board added color to the Prism cover. The overall size increased from 5 x 7” to 8 1/2 x 11.”
“This time we are going to select tasteful advertising with the hopes of raising revenue, which will allow us to add more color and upgrade the quality of the paper we use,” said Fetty. “We want to make this a real literary magazine belonging to the entire University.”
According to sophomore Aaron Gogley, editor in chief of Prism, just $20 in advertising would increase the size of the magazine by three or four pages.
Gogley, an accounting major, admits he lacks experience on a publication. Last semester was his first on the Prism staff. He served as editor in chief then as well. However, Gogley brings a knowledge and experience in budgeting and management to the magazine.
“This magazine doesn’t have any real tradition,” Gogley said. “We need a tradition of excellence going for us.”
One tradition started last spring. Prism incorporated a poetry reading that coincided with the release of the spring issue.
The editorial board evaluates submissions and rates them on a point system. Those with the most points are published. In order to ensure fairness, names of the submitters are removed before judging begins. Board members do not judge their own work.
Students have the option of submitting their work anonymously or under pseudonyms.
Prism plans to award prizes this year in each category. They also hope to expand their distribution, which included ULV residence centers in Athens, Naples, San Diego and Alaska as well as prisons participating in the EPIC program last year.
Prism will be listed in the Directory of American Poetry Books, a national directory of poetry publications.
The Fall 1994 issue is scheduled to be distributed by Thanksgiving.
