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Humanities journal launches 5th issue with more readers

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Also by Logan Jaffe:

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'Park it like a bike, drive it like a car' (November 29, 2007)
Students learn to hold onto money (November 28, 2007)

by Logan Jaffe

Thursday, December 13, 2007

The University of Wisconsin's literary magazine, Illumination, celebrated student art, literature and essays at their fifth-issue release party Wednesday.

Illumination staff, writers and sponsors listened to excerpts from the fall 2007 issue and applauded the magazine's purpose as a creative outlet. The magazine shows off the talent and ability of UW students, according to Editor in Chief Stephanie Krubsack.

Illumination started four years ago when UW student Adam Blackbourn campaigned the idea around campus. After gathering support and adequate funding, he started the magazine with about seven friends and produced one issue a year.

According to Krubsack, Illumination now publishes 3,000 full color copies a semester and has doubled production efficiency. With a staff of approximately 30, the magazine is a member of the Wisconsin Union Directorate Publications Committee and expands every year.

"We definitely want to expand and grow to get more submissions," Krubsack said. "We want to get involved with more WUD committees, like art and theater, and eventually host some campus events."

The magazine is divided into three sections: literature, essay and Wisconsin Idea. First there is a call for submissions, and then the editors review and vote on each piece. The top pieces in their categories wait to be printed while layout editors choose the artwork and design the pages.

According to Krubsack, the magazine also addresses pressing social issues in the Wisconsin Idea section. The section aims to recognize individuals who make a difference and groups that promoted awareness or have contributed to society. This issue features essays titled "Crisis in Darfur: Taking 'Action in Sudan'" and "The Right to Work," which deals with job discrimination for people with disabilities.

"We have a diverse committee with lots of different majors, like history and journalism," Krubsack said. "Everyone brings something different to the table, and that brings a certain kind of atmosphere."

Friends of the UW Libraries, an organization that supports academic influences of libraries on campus, gave out three Honorarium Recipient awards to Illumination writers, and the Wisconsin Alumni Association, another sponsor, presented one art award.

"I know the staff is really proud of the issue, and they should be," said Susan Dibbell, assistant director for social education at the Union. "Every year the magazine grows, and that's tough considering it's still a young publication. It always gets better and gains popularity."

Illumination's fall 2007 issue can be found in most UW Libraries, the University Book Store and State Street locations including Sunroom Cafe, Avol's Bookstore and Mother Fools.

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