By Lauren Mar ’25
In 1999, the 61传媒 Journal () launched its debut issue as a collection of academic essays. The annual publication was initially run by graduate students employed by the College鈥檚 writing program, and the first six volumes were far from the comprehensive literary magazine the Journal is today. When Professor Kimberly Drake joined the writing program in 2005, the Journal was revamped and expanded to include nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and art, as well as the two essay recipients of the annual Marie McSpadden Sands Merit Awards in Writing.
During the pandemic, the journal鈥檚 publication was on hiatus. Its editorial board, which consists mainly of students in the Department of Writing and Rhetoric, expressed interest in reviving its publication. The upcoming spring 2023 issue, which marks the SCJ鈥檚 22nd volume, will be distributed in person for the first time in four years.
Editor-in-Chief Molly Yeselson ’23 says the spring 2023 issue is a nice marker of lessening pandemic restrictions. Submitted works are anonymously evaluated by the board, who then select entries for each category. The chosen authors are rewarded with a $50 gift card.
鈥淚t’s been really nice this year to meet with the editorial board and hang out and work on the journal together in person,鈥� she explains.
In addition to the journal鈥檚 upcoming publication, the board has been in talks with other 61传媒departments as well as the Motley Coffeehouse and the Benton Museum at Pomona College聽聽 to host events and open mics. The editorial board is excited to use this momentous time to spread the word about the variety of creative and inspiring works that make up the SCJ and to highlight a new generation of 5C student artists and writers. The hard work and dedication of 61传媒students and faculty like Yeselson and Drake has allowed the creation of the 61传媒 Journal to continue as a long-standing tradition.
鈥淲hen I started at Scripps, the Writing and Rhetoric major didn’t even exist yet,鈥� Yeselson says. 鈥淪o it鈥檚 fulfilling to see how the program has evolved, and this publication is a symbol of that.鈥�
To stay up to date with the 61传媒 Journal, find them on .