Elysian
AU's Literary Magazine
Messages from the Editors and Designer
Volume 3, Issue 2
KOURTNEY LIPPS
Editor in Chief
IYANNA BUFORD BROOMS
Graphic Designer
BRENDA M. WAIS
Assistant Editor
4 years ago, when I was a freshman here at Aurora University, I became a member of an organization called Nolos, a student-ran literary magazine. A couple of years later, we decided to change our name to better reflect our goal to showcase the creative talents of the AU community. I stumbled on a word on Google: Elysian. Its meaning, “Beautiful or creative; divinely inspired,” struck a chord with me. It must have struck a chord with everyone else too, as we all agreed on the name Elysian for the magazine!
If you would have told me 4 years ago that I would eventually become the Editor-in-Chief of this magazine, I definitely would not have believed you. It means the world to me as it helped me meet amazing individuals and have an even deeper appreciation for art and writing and all of their beautiful, strange, and unique forms. Thinking back to how much I and this organization have grown and changed over this period of time only makes it even more bittersweet as my time as a part of Elysian has drawn to a close.
I cannot thank the amazing staff and advisors of Elysian enough for all the kindness, passion and support during my time as both a member and an editor.
Wishing nothing but the best for the future of Elysian Magazine and everyone involved! :)
I joined Elysian Magazine in Spring 2020. I wish I was more involved in the club when I first came to Aurora University in Fall 2017. I’m honored that I’ve received the position as the club’s Graphic Designer. I enjoyed working with the members and during my time my skills have grown due to help building the site. I’m confident that Elysian's Web Magazine will be just as successful as the physical copies!
I'm graduating this Winter 2021 in Graphic Design and is planning on picking up more classes to help sharpen my skills even more. I love to draw, playing video games, paint and creating cards for others.
I hope everyone continues to stay strong and safe during the uncertain time!
I joined Elysian in the Fall of 2020 during my last year as a graduate student in the Social Work Master’s program. I was interested in joining Elysian because I love creativity and am a big advocate for artistic expression. Art can be such a beautiful way to convey an individual’s emotional experience, whether through words, pictures, paintings, as well as in so many unique forms. I am grateful to have the chance to be a part of the Elysian team and moved by all the submissions, all those personal moments students have chosen to share with us, and now you. Enjoy!
Contributor's Notes
Volume 3, Issue 2
ANGELA CABALANG
CONSTADINA LIBERIDES
DALIN JOHNSON
Is a freshman english and secondary education major from Romulus, Michigan. Angela enjoys expressing her thoughts through her writing as well as finding meaning in the ordinary. She is a strong believer in gratitude and mindfulness and hopes to communicate those mental states through storytelling.
Is a first-year social work graduate student. Upon completing her degree, Constadina would like to get a job at DCFS (Department of Children Family Services) and work with foster children. She dedicates these poems to those who weren't dealt the best hand in life, but never gave up.
Is a freshman with a double major in Professional Writing and English. She aspires to be an editor, journalist, or writer.
DANA DRIER
DANIEL ARZOLA
DANIEL CHACON
Is a senior at Aurora University studying English and museum studies. Dana considers herself to be more of a cryptid than a person. After she graduates, she plans to return to the wild where she will collect frogs and teach bigfoot TikTok dances.
Is a Junior AU student majoring in Criminal Justice and Theatre. An aspiring playwright, he has written three plays with two of them having been produced and one filming at AU's Perry Theater. He hopes to continue writing plays as he pursues a law career.
Is a mathematics secondary education major and a major nerd. He loves to read speculative fiction and play video games as forms of escapism. His interest in science and magic often bleeds into his creative writing.
DORA RODRIGUEZ
EMILY SAMP
GARRETT JOHNSON
Is an Aurora University undergrad student majoring in Business Administration and Political Science. She has a very friendly and open personality and loves to take pictures, taking a special interest in nature and landscape photography. She hopes to keep learning more and progressing her photography skills throughout the years to come.
Is a junior double majoring in Communication and Media and Professional Writing and minoring in Spanish. She runs on the cross country and track teams and is a part of SAAC.
Is a marketing and graphic design major from just outside of Flint, Michigan. He spent a few years playing hockey across North America prior to coming to AU to further his education and athletic career. Garrett believes the present moment is all we truly have, so if we're not busy capturing it, we should embrace it.
JADA GOLDEN
JASMINE PAKDAMAN
JENNA BUTLER
Is a Junior Early Childhood Special Education major, who enjoys expressing through the arts of writing, music, and performance. Within this opportunity, she was able to give a piece of her passion to you. She hopes that you enjoyed her pieces.
Is from Illinois and is currently living in Milwaukee working towards a BSW degree. She enjoys casual photography, and aims to capture the essence of moments and places that feel especially peaceful while entrapped in a busy world.
Is a Chemistry and Mathematics double major with a minor in Spanish. She enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, playing disc golf, learning songs on the guitar, and making abstract drawings.
JENNIFER BENSEN
JONATHON REID
JOSH KATSIMPALIS
Is an amateur doodler and watercolor artist who also loves books and knitting.
As an artist, Jonathon Reid, also known as JWR, strives to push not only life but meaning and value into all of his work. Each piece is a reflection of his character and person at the time of production.
Is a Senior at Aurora studying Business and Biology. His Instagram handle is @katphotochi.
NATALIE MARTIN
NATHAN YOCKEY
MEGAN N. COE
Is a student of Social Work at Aurora University. She has a passion for traveling and believes that the greatest therapy is connecting to nature.
Is a junior psychology major, coming from Alaska to play on the Aurora Men's Basketball Team. He began writing poetry and short stories at a young age and writes about subsistence living in and around his small hometown in Alaska. He enjoys writing creatively about the big lessons to be taken from small things in life.
Is a Sheridan, Illinois native that graduated from Serena High School. She then went on to serve 5 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps and is now a senior at Aurora University majoring in business.
TEJANDRA ORTIZ
VINCENT DAHN
ZACH RAMSDELL
Is a senior at Aurora University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Health Science, Spanish, and Biology with a double minor in Chemistry and Physiology. Outside of work and school she spends her time taking photos and creating music.
Was raised in Aurora, IL and is the son of immigrants. He is completing his Masters in Social Work at Aurora University this semester. Vince is passionate about expressing himself through art and hopes that those who see it enjoy something new.
Was born in Long Beach, California, has lived in Austin, Texas, and studied business at DePaul University in Chicago. Now studying English at Aurora University, Zach is leaning in to his creativity while finding influence in experiences and past relationships made around the world.
ADVISORS
Dr. Sara Elliott | Scott Krave
TREASURER
Daniel Chacón
READERS
Ashley Sanders | Dana Drier | Daniel Chacón | Jenna Arnold | Leeba Joseph