Current St. Edward’s University students, alumni and faculty have an opportunity to have original created works published in the “Sorin Oak Review.”

The earliest issue of the “Sorin Oak Review” was published in 1991 under the title “Aesthetic Voice.” 

In 2000, the review changed its name to the “Sorin Oak Review.”

Senior Kelsey Howard, the current editor-in-chief, explained why the review transitioned its name.

“[The] ‘Sorin Oak Review’ has really come to identify with its namesake over the years,” Howard said. “[The title ‘Sorin Oak Review’ has] … become a way for the journal to represent the St. Edward’s community and ideals of strength, tradition, perseverance and beauty that the original Sorin Oak carries as well.” 

In previous years, the Sorin Oak Review launch party took place under the literary journal’s namesake, the Sorin Oak. This year, the journal’s editorial staff hopes to expand the launch to a wider audience, but no plans have officially been announced regarding a launch party.

Becoming published in the review would be beneficial to students, according to Howard.

“[The Sorin Oak Review] … provides an opportunity for many writers and artists to have their work published in an award-winning publication before they even graduate,” Howard said.

For its 23rd volume, people hoping to submit to the review may enter up to five visual pieces, two pieces of prose and three poems. 

Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, Dec. 16, according to the publication’s Facebook page.

After the staff reviews the submissions, students will be notified if their work is selected for publication.

“After a series of staff meetings in early spring semester, we will send out emails letting everyone know the status of their work,” Howard said. “We will have this information by early March.”

Students who do not want to submit to the review can contribute in other ways.

“There are still openings on our editorial staff, but the most important thing I can stress is to simply read and let others know about the journal,” Howard said. “’Sorin Oak Review’ has been proud to give the creative community of St. Edward’s a voice and presence on campus for many years.” 

Although it is still early in the design process, Howard had many good things to say about the direction of the reviews.

“We are really lucky to have a fantastic lead designer this year with Katy O’Neill, so it will definitely be one to look forward to,” Howard said. “I can’t give any hints yet, but we will be also pushing a digital launch this year in the form of a companion website to the physical print. The design between our traditional physical print and our new online presence will be linked.”

Writers, photographers and artists who are interested can submit pieces to [email protected].