top of page

Spring 2026 Contributors

Amari Liebe

is an online student at Aurora University, studying sociology and creative writing. She spends her time nannying, going on adventures with her dog, and traveling with friends. She loves consuming all forms of art and media, and will find a way to insert a niche reference into a conversation.

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.

Anonymous

is a student at Aurora University with a passion for the arts and all forms of self-expression. They are studying social work. 

Brianna Kuhn

is a 19-year-old creative artist from Polo, Illinois. This is her first year at AU where she’s majoring in graphic design. She enjoys creating whether it be through writing, drawing or taking pictures.

DaQuan Finley

is a first-generation African-American freshman majoring in actuarial science. He has submitted artwork into Elysian before titled Dark Cacao. 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.

Diane Fuentes 

is a senior triple majoring in Health Science, Biology, and Behavioral Neuroscience, with minors in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Spanish. She works third shift at Northwestern Medicine as a Patient Care Technician, Telemetry Technician, House Orderly, and Staffing Coordinator, while remaining actively involved in biomedical research, peer tutoring, and campus leadership--including founding the AU Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. Diane aspires to become a physician with interests in neurosurgery, cardiology, and plastic surgery, and is dedicated to serving and advocating for her community, particularly the Latino population. 

Juan Gutierrez

is a junior marketing major at Aurora University. Outside of school work, he has a passion for creative hobbies which include drawing, music in the form of guitar and bass playing, and photography. When it comes to photography, his favorite subjects to photograph include cars, portraits and cosplay.  

Lyndsey Twitchell 

is a sophomore at Aurora University studying Human Animal Studies, English, and Criminal Justice. She has a passion for animals, so she hopes to one day work as a higher-level dog trainer in behavioral and protection to help dogs and humans connect on a deeper level. 

Maia Deguzman

is an absolute weirdo. Outside of studying Environmental Studies and Sustainability and Creative Writing, you probably can’t find Maia.

Natasha Leclercq

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 Studies. When she’s not writing, she enjoys birdwatching, going on little adventures, and live music.

Paola Ramirez 

is a Health Science major in her Junior year here at AU. Although her primary focus is in sciences and healthcare, a special interest is writing and demonstrating the beauty in expression. She aspires for those to see her writing as something not only of subtle recognition, but grasp it for as long as needed to as she hopes the words can grasp you warmly as well.

Percy Schulz

is a 23-year-old poet from East Dundee, IL. He is studying education at Aurora University with aims to teach English. He enjoys writing poems on the world, nature and identity. 

Scott Woldman

is an ensemble member with 2nd Story and a Resident Playwright Alumnus with Chicago Dramatists, The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and Redtwist Theater. Scott's play, Beautiful Autistic, won the National Edgarton Award for New Works.  Scott currently teaches story and comedy writing at 2nd Story, and previously taught play and comedy writing at Chicago Dramatists. During the day, he teaches 8th Grade Monsters and is pursuing his MSW degree at Aurora University.

Sophia Wayer 

Sophia Wayer is a freshman who is pursuing English. She is from Oswego, IL and loves creative writing. She likes to read while playing with her two dogs and two cats. 

Taylor Eiland

comes from a family of creatives and has always been drawn to media, arts, and storytelling in all forms. She uses writing as an escape and a way to make sense of things. If she’s not writing, she’s either daydreaming or diving into politics and world issues, contemplating over how we can make life worth living for all. 

Tessa Danko

Tessa Danko is a junior at AU, majoring in social work. She spends a lot of time in nature, with her dog, 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. My work has appeared in various editions of Elysian, and I am still beyond grateful and proud to be serving as its Editor-in-Chief. I hope to one day 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 seeing a good show, going to the movies, hanging out with 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 all in the next one! :) 

Graphic Designer

Ryan Zielie

     I am a senior at Aurora University, majoring in Graphic Design and Marketing. As a mixed-media artist, photographer, and multidisciplinary creator, I experiment fluidly across any medium I can access and am currently developing a bold new style of black-and-white vertical lines. This exploration defines my latest series, Lineaments, offering a striking first look at this emerging body of work. 

Digital Graphic Designer

Sydney Breitenstein

     I am a sophomore majoring in Marketing and Graphic Design from Louisville, Kentucky. This is my second semester with Elysian, and I’m so blessed and excited to get to work alongside such driven and talented people. I am also a member of the women’s lacrosse team and enjoy reading, cooking, and playing card games in my free time.  

Photography Editor

John Shippy

     I am a Junior at Aurora University majoring in Graphic Design, and I am the Elysian’s 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, music, film, 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 the school for allowing this magazine to be made, to the team for their hard work and effort they put into it, to the students for submitting their work and putting it out to the world, and, most of all, to you for reading it! I hope you enjoy! <3 

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 as the Assistant Editor, and I am so incredibly proud to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. This magazine represents the unique voices, passions, and artistry of our community, and I am honored to be a part of it and share it with you. Thank you so much for reading Elysian’s Spring 2026 Issue! 

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 fight tooth and nail for everything that we are. 

Writing Editor

Kimberly Leslie

      I am a senior with a major in English and a minor in creative writing at Aurora University, and I’m graduating this May. I’m also the proud President of the Creative Writing Club, and I was one of Environmentalese’s editors last year. I’m thankful to have had a stable and successful college career because it’s given me the opportunity to participate in Aurora University’s literary organizations and find my people there. Stay human, everyone! 

Secretary & Media

Saray Lopez

     I am a fourth-year Marketing major at Aurora University and serve as Secretary and Media Coordinator. This is my last semester with Elysian, as I will be graduating in May. I am grateful to have been part of such an amazing magazine that showcases student work and provides a space for creativity.

Treasurer

Madelyn Dittmann

     I am delighted to be returning to the Elysian team as Treasurer, and I am excited to see all the wonderful art everyone has created! I am a sophomore Therapeutic Recreation major with a minor in Neurodiversity Studies, and I am graduating in December 2027. I am also the Vice President of our disability student organization DREAM AU, and like to read, draw, and watch movies in my free time. 

bottom of page