The “delta,” the University’s undergraduate literary journal, held a release party Thursday night to celebrate the release of its 50th volume. About 50 people gathered inside the Union Art Gallery to listen to the works of poets and writers featured in the journal. Two of the writers were awarded the Matt Clark Prize, which prize acknowledges achievement in poetry and fiction by University students. The $100 prize is named after Daniel Matt Clark, former University professor and faculty adviser of “delta.” Thomas Stevens, winner of the Matt Clark Prize for poetry, was the first to read his work to the audience. Stevens said his winning poem, “Alma Mater,” is a personal expression of his high school experience. Stevens read three of his other poems that were not printed in the “delta”, including a poem titled “Typical White Person” which he said he wrote in class earlier that day. Jasmine Templet, winner of the Matt Clark Prize for fiction, followed Stevens by reading an excerpt from her short story “Dead Things.” The story follows a traveling salesman who carries the remains of his unfaithful wife in a suitcase wherever he goes. Creative writing students Elizabeth Buckley, Jacquelyn Brown, Matthew Herron and Rebecca Gammons each read some of their poems. Each poem ranged widely in style and form. Tania Nyman, the “delta” faculty adviser, ended the readings with a short set of congratulations for the writers and a special thanks to the English department for its support. The “delta” literary journal has been an important medium of expression for University student writers since its first publication in 1947. Though it has existed for more than 60 years, the “delta” has not appeared every year since it was created because of to funding troubles. Adam Hayden, creative writing senior and editor-in-chief of “delta,” said the journal had almost disappeared this past year because of funding issues. “Last year it completely faded out of existence,” Hayden said. “We were thrown in with no real experience at the beginning of the year.” Finding the money for printing in the past relied on fundraising by the staff, Hayden said. But this year the University’s English department provided a stipend to help keep the delta in print. Elizabeth Buckley, creative writing senior, said it was important for the journal to remain in print. “It needs to be better recognized,” she said. “We have so many great writers and poets here with real. raw talent.” Many of the writers and editors of the “delta” are graduating seniors and Rebecca Gammons, creative writing senior and “delta’s poetry editor, said the journal needs is support from students. “We need submissions,” Gammons said. “Good submissions that have been read and work shopped. Most of us will be leaving soon and we need students ready to take our place.” The “delta” is accepting applications for all positions. While the journal’s Web site is still under construction, interested students should go to the University English department.
—-Contact Adam Duvernay at [email protected]