Table of Contents

Laurentian Reviews

Alumni Accomplishments

The Kenya Connection

Antarctica

Paperweight Collection

Past Issues

For Love of Writing
Student-run literary periodicals have flourished on campus for well over a century

From The Scarlet Saint to The Laurentian, not to mention the 93-year-old newspaper The Hill News, St. Lawrence students have been turning out published creative writing for 116 years. Some titles come and go; others survive the perpetual turnover of energy and interest. A search of various sources produced the following as outlets for student creative endeavors over the years (we know Laurentians will be quick to point out any omissions, for which we will be grateful):

The Laurentian
The Hill News (and numerous satiric variations, such as The Nill News)
The Scarlet Saint
The Stump
Sidewaves
Northern Light
Ujamaa
Incubus
Cadet Journal (ROTC)

According to the centennial history book Candle in the Wilder-ness, The Laurentian was started in 1887 as "the first successful campus periodical." Twelve pages long, it appeared monthly throughout the academic year. Although it has undergone numerous (possibly annual) reinventions, it continues today as the principal student literary organ. The 142-page 2003 number lists an editorial staff of 22, including editor-in-chief Jessica Baker '04, Coventry, Vt., plus two faculty advisors, and offers five pieces of fiction, five works of creative nonfiction, 11 poems (one of which is reprinted with permission elsewhere in this magazine) and eight "art" photos.

"A literary magazine is valuable because it encourages and celebrates the accomplishments of student writers," says Visiting Assistant Professor of English Paul Graham '99, who teams with Piskor Professor of English Albert Glover to advise the student staff (in fact, Glover was an advisor when Graham was editor-in-chief in his student days). "It's good preparation for a career in editing and publishing. For both writers and editors, it reinforces the concept of audience."

"The Laurentian provides a place for students to see their own original fiction, non-fiction, poetry and artwork published, whether it is writing that was done for a class as-signment or on free time," adds Elizabeth Johnston '03, managing editor in 2003. "Students from every department, as well as the First-Year Program, contribute. The magazine is selective; several people on the editorial staff review the submissions. It's a great way to hone our critical abilities." -NSB