The Carillon, UNK’s longest-running literary magazine, is preparing to release its latest issue on April 25. This will be their 39th year of student-driven poetry, fiction and creative works.
Formerly known as The Antler, the publication was renamed The Carillon as a tribute to the university’s iconic bell tower.
“The Carillon is always student-led, and each year’s issue represents the unique themes and interests of our contributors,” said Brad Modlin, faculty adviser of The Carillon.
Over the years, it has provided a platform for emerging writers and artists. This year, the magazine received approximately 45 submissions, with a select number making it into the final publication.
The selection process involves reading and dividing submissions among the staff based on areas of expertise. They accept all categories of writing like fiction, poetry, critical essays, creative nonfiction and even screenplays.
Due to initial low submission numbers, the deadline was extended, allowing for a final count of 45 submissions.
“It was worth the time management struggles because we ended up with a strong collection of work,” said Emma Huggins, editor-in-chief of The Carillon.
To encourage submissions, The Carillon uses a variety of advertising methods, including posters, flyers, social media, class announcements and tabling events. The editorial team aims to attract writers from diverse academic backgrounds, broadening the magazine’s reach beyond English majors.
The latest issue will debut at the Student Language and Literature Conference, an annual event celebrating student scholarship and creativity. Held in Thomas Hall, the conference features critical panels, mentorship opportunities, readings, an award ceremony and a release party for The Carillon.
Only about 100 copies are printed each year and distributed for free across campus, including in Thomas Hall and the Calvin T. Ryan Library.
Beyond the print edition, the editorial team has explored innovative ways to engage the campus community, such as a “Blind Date with a Book” fundraiser and other literary initiatives.
For Emma Huggins, her involvement with The Carillon is deeply personal. She was inspired by her older sister who was last year’s editor-in-chief.
“We have the same English major, so we are kind of on a similar path,” Huggins said. “I was really inspired because of the issue that we were able to put together last year as an incoming freshman. That was such a unique experience.”
Aspiring writers often hesitate to submit their work, but Huggins encourages them to overcome their nerves.
“Realizing that we’re also students that are reading this and going through it and putting yourself out there is probably the best advice I have,” Huggins said.“Seeing your work published and celebrated at the release party is incredibly rewarding.”
Their goal is to expand the magazine’s reach, making it more widely known across campus. Recent fundraisers and tabling events have been successful. They hope to increase student participation in future editions.
With acceptance notifications being finalized and the editing process continuing, the upcoming issue of The Carillon is shaping up to be another meaningful collection of student voices.
For those interested in submitting next year, The Carillon remains an open door for students eager to see their work in print.
