“Students, tonight is your night.” Dr. John Chuchiak addressed attendants proudly from the podium. “This publication would not be possible without you.”

LOGOS: A Journal of Undergraduate Research held its Volume 11 Reception last Friday at the soon-to-be open Pagination Bookshop on historic Walnut Street. Since 2008, our publication has been staffed entirely by student volunteers who dedicate their time to read and review submissions from disciplines across the MSU campus. LOGOS is by students, for students. 

Our annual receptions are to acknowledge not only the authors whose work has been selected to be published, but also to celebrate the efforts of our staff. Dr. Chuchiak personally congratulated managing editor Shannon Wick for her contributions to the journal since her days as a peer reviewer. Shannon, who has worked with the journal for more than four years, will graduate with her master’s this May.

Published authors read excerpts from their work throughout the evening, including Patricia Busch, Brendan Diedrich, John Willis, Kyle Osredker, and chief editor Maria Meluso. Maria’s essay, “Iron Snowflake” is a reflection on the #MeToo social media movement and an account of her own experiences with sexual harassment. “The reading was empowering, but a lot more nerve-wracking than I thought it would be, given the subject matter my piece covers.” Maria described what it was like to share her work with attendants. “There’s healing that comes from being so open and sharing something out loud.”

“It was interesting to meet the authors of pieces I had reviewed earlier throughout the year.” Sarah Bachler, an associate editor, commented on how many of the readings resonated with her. “It was really fun to attend!”

LOGOS is now in the process of reviewing submissions for its twelfth volume. Our deadline for submissions this semester is March 31. We strongly encourage all MSU undergraduates to submit their work to us, with hopes that they will have the opportunity to present at next year’s Volume 12 Reception. Special thanks to all those that donated to our Friends of LOGOS campaign.