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.