Story by Lila Letica, News Editor

Photos by Lila Letica

The end of the year means that the Aquinas College Sampler 33 is out! The booklet is filled with writings and artwork from students from the past year. The Alpha Chi Iota Honors English Society’s E-Board and many professors helped put together this edition’s beautiful issue.

On May 2, contributors were invited to speak at the launch event to read their work and discuss what inspired their individual pieces. Many of the work was from past class assignments including poems, flash fiction, paintings, sculptures, and much more!

The launch event also had the final judge for the Academy of the American Poets University and College Poetry prize join them, Katie Kalisz. Kalisz gave a few words about the submissions she received, the winner Jayden Jones, and runner up Anna Klocke. She had nothing but praises to sing for all the work she read and the Sampler overall. 

The event continued with students reading their writing out loud to all those in person at the Wege Ballroom and to Zoom attendees. Overall, about 20 students spoke on their work, in person and over Zoom. The Sampler Coordinator, Dr. Jennifer Dawson, and E-Board members worked hard to make sure everyone was able to participate. 

This year’s E-Board consisted of Nalana La Framboise (President), Elizabeth Walztoni Vice President), Alejandra Medina (Treasurer), and Anna Skog (Secretary). Along with the Editorial Assistant Sterling Ulrich and many professors, they all succeeded in putting together a wonderful Sampler, stirring excitement for next year’s issue already! 

Physical copies of Sampler 33 were given out at the event, but you can find it online to flip through the extraordinary work by many AQ students!