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Fall 2025 Contributors

Amanda Ramirez Garcia

is a freshman at Aurora University majoring in Graphic Design. Passionate about the fine arts, she is involved in the choir and is also a member of PREMSA and the Art Club. She looks forward to contributing to the school musicals and Elysian throughout her academic journey. Outside the classroom, Amanda enjoys playing tennis and watching anime. 

Amy Duskheart

is a poet and photographer based in the southern suburbs of Chicago. Her work explores her experiences of love and life, of sorrow and desire, and she would love to share it with you.

Andy Salazar

is a first-generation college student and a senior majoring in chemistry secondary education with a minor in biology. He spends his free time immersed in both art and photography and hopes to incorporate these aspects into his future classroom. His work reflects the connection between people and nature.

Cory Williams

Chicago Heights native Hovenn (Cory Williams) began his musical journey at just 3 years old, when his grandfather first introduced him to the drums. Immersed in music throughout his childhood—from school bands to instrumental lessons—Hovenn initially had no plans of becoming an artist. His early passion leaned toward visual storytelling, sparked by a camera he bought for YouTube that led him into photography and videography. But everything shifted after the loss of his best friend, Seyi. That life-altering moment pushed Hovenn to step behind the mic for the first time, channeling his grief and dreams into sound. His debut EP, Para Los Caídos, is a heartfelt tribute to Seyi, marking the beginning of an artist unafraid to turn pain into purpose.

DaQuan Finley

is an African American first-generation freshman majoring in actuarial science. He has created over 50 characters for his comic book A Tale of Quadria and continues to expand upon the world, telling it to any who will listen. He has always hoped to share his art and comic books with other people who are enamored by fantasy.

Ewa Lupyvovk

is a first-generation Political Science & Public policy major from AU with a heart for art, she comes from Ukraine where majority of her artwork is inspired from and wishes to spread awareness of the war at home through her work. She is also a big fan of anime which is the main style she follows for her art pieces, alongside painting, crafting figures and writing.

Kevin Garcia

is currently studying Graphic Design and planned to transfer to earn his bachelor’s degree, aspiring to become an art director. Growing up in a Mexican household, he discovered the opportunity of passion for art and the creative freedom it brings. In his free time, he enjoys photographing his dog Luka, drawing, and connecting with others who see the world through many lenses.

Maia Deguzman

is a student, a daughter, a lover, and a wary optimist. Outside of studying Environmental Studies and Sustainability and Museum Studies, you can usually find Maia daydreaming about the small worlds within our larger one.

Maria Vazquez

is passionate about writing to express themselves and share their voice. As a political affairs advocate, they are dedicated to making a difference and find inspiration through volunteering and exploring the great outdoors.

Natasha Leclercq

(she/her) is majoring in English and History, with a minor in Environmental Studies, and anticipates graduating in May 2026 from Aurora University. She plans to attend graduate school for Environmental Science and pursue a career in Environmental Studies. 

Paola Corona

is a photographer based out in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She is currently a junior at Aurora University studying Business Administration and Marketing. Her goal is to become a full-time photographer or a social media marketer with a well-known business. Paola lives a busy life juggling two jobs and school but enjoys her spare time spending it with her two cats or watching her comfort shows.

Percy Schulz

is a 22-year-old poet from Dundee, IL. He’s been writing and performing since he was in high school, where he first focused his work on poetic activism and queer identity. He currently works as a barista in Elgin, and is pursuing a degree in secondary education to teach English.

Tessa Danko

is a junior at AU, majoring in social work. She loves going on walks in the woods and writing poetry.

Staff

Organization Advisors

Dr. Andrew Prall

     joined Aurora University in 2021 as its Vice President for Academic Affairs and now teaches creative writing, composition, and literature courses. This is his first year serving as faculty co-advisor for Elysian. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, yoga, spending time with family, and taking care of his two cats, Oliver and Desmond.

Editor-in-Chief

Ximena Torres Ramos

     I am a Junior at Aurora University majoring in both Graphic Design and Communications, and minoring in Museum Studies. Though my work has appeared in Elysian various times before, this year, I am grateful and proud to be serving as its Editor-in-Chief! I hope that one day, in the future, I will be able to design for big film studios or museums, or perhaps travel the world with the help of my photography. In my free time, I enjoy reading a good book or watching a good show, going to the movies, hanging out with my friends, and getting a chance to sleep in on the weekends. I hope you enjoy this issue, and I can't wait to see you in the next one! :)

Graphic Designer

Ryan Zielie

     I am a mixed-media artist whose work moves fluidly between traditional and experimental techniques. From oil pastels and acrylic textures to glass painting and layered color, my art explores bold contrasts in style and mood. I use this variety to capture both raw and vibrant emotion, creating pieces that feel alive in their experimentation.

Digital Graphic Designer

Sydney Breitenstein

     I am a sophomore majoring in marketing and graphic design here at AU and I serve as the Digital Graphic Designer. I am also on the Women’s Lacrosse team and I am a Dunham Scholar. This is my first semester with Elysian and I’m so blessed and excited to get to work alongside such driven and talented people.

Photography Editor

John Shippy

     I am a Junior at Aurora University majoring in Graphic Design, and this is my first year at the Elysian as the photography editor. I am a photographer and graphic designer who loves all kinds of art and media. I especially have a passion for animation, video games, and  

comics, and would love to even work in one of those industries as a creator one day! Since I was a child, I have always had a curiosity for the arts and in high school, when I found graphic design and a passion for it, I found much more appreciation and love for the arts. Since then, my love for art has only grown and has expanded to areas like photography. Art is what keeps us moving, what inspires us, what influences us, and allows us to share our perspectives in life to the world. With this magazine, I’m so glad I’m able to help the team with allowing students at the school to share their own perspectives of life. Thank you to Ximena, Caitie, and the rest of the Elysian team for letting me join them! 

Dr. Meredith Harvey

     has been teaching for Aurora University for fifteen years, and started co-advising at Elysian last year. She enjoys teaching about writing and literature, particularly that which focuses on colonialism, gender, and the environment. In her spare time, she enjoys writing fiction, riding ponies, and hanging with her family.

Assistant Editor

Caitie Zwirek

     I am a junior majoring in graphic design at Aurora University. This is my second semester with the Elysian team, this time as the new Assistant Editor! I absolutely love art, and I am so grateful to be part of an organization that celebrates individual expression across many mediums. I hope you enjoy Elysian’s Fall 2025 Issue, and thank you so much for reading!

Graphic Designer

Samadhi Diaz

     I am a first-generation college student here at Aurora University. As a young Hispanic woman, I take pride in my heritage and honor this by seizing every opportunity that allows me to move forward in a world where being a woman means having to fighting tooth and nail for everything that we are. 

Writing Editor

Madalynn Sedgwick

     I am a senior with a major in English and a minor in creative writing at Aurora University. This is my first semester as part of the Elysian staff, and I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to join by Jessica. Being part of Elysian is something I’ve dreamed of since my freshman year. I’m also the proud President of the Creative Writing Club, and I was one of Environmentalese’s editors last semester. With that said, enjoy the pretty art and writing in this magazine, and see you all in the next issue!

Secretary & Media

Saray Lopez

     I am a fourth-year student majoring in Marketing at Aurora University. I serve as the Secretary and Media Coordinator. It's my first semester with Elysian, and I am honored to be part of a fantastic group of artists, writers, and designers. It's also my first semester helping a student organization run its social media accounts. I am grateful to be in a position that allows me to gain experience in digital marketing and see incredible works of art.

Treasurer

Madelyn Dittmann

     I am delighted to be serving as Treasurer of Elysian once again for a second semester, and am excited to see what everyone has created this semester! I am currently a sophomore majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and minoring in Neurodiversity Studies, and also serve as the Vice President of our disability club, DREAM AU. I’ve been writing ever since I was young, and also enjoy drawing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

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