Karen Gutierrez

Volume 35 of Aries, Texas Wesleyan’s student-ran literary magazine, features artwork from a Polytechnic High School student as its cover.

The Aries Literary Magazine and Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society held a joint event in the Baker Building on April 9 to induct new members and celebrate the magazine’s new edition. 

The event marked the launch of Volume 35 of Aries, Texas Wesleyan’s student-run literary magazine of the Nu Zeta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta at Texas Wesleyan University. The literary magazine is a collection of original poetry, short stories, art and other literary works. 

This year’s edition of the magazine featured a no-censorship policy and expanded submissions to include students, faculty, alumni and high school students. English professor and faculty adviser for Aries, Robert Graves, said the publication serves as a platform for student voices. 

“It’s a representation of our students’ creativity and their minds at work and play, bringing joy and improvement and also dealing with the pioneer experience in life,” Graves said. “It’s like a gift that the students give to the whole community that lasts through time.” 

The celebration began with the induction of four new members to Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. According to English professor and Sigma Tau Delta faculty adviser, Carl Smeller, there was a larger-than-expected turnout.

“I had no idea; I thought it was going to be about 25 people,” Smeller said. “People who are not part of the usual English world kind of got a chance to see what it’s all about.” 

Deanna Brown, senior English major and president of Sigma Tau Delta, served as co-editor for this year’s edition of Aries. Brown shared the importance of a no-censorship policy this year. 

“When we were asked to take the position of the co-editors, our number one thing was absolutely no censorship,” Brown said. “It hurts the community; it smothers your people, and if they don’t get to say what they feel, you actually lose community in that.” 

Brown helped facilitate and collect contributions from students at Polytechnic High School, located down the street from Texas Wesleyan. The magazine’s cover design was created by a Polytechnic student, reflecting the growing partnership with the community. 

“With it being a Title I school, I know that they don’t have the same chances and advantages that other children do, and I really felt it was important to include them,” Brown said. “They’re walking distance from us; there’s no reason why those kids—their voices—shouldn’t be heard.” 

The event also included a live performance of “Wind Through the Grass,” a short play featured in the magazine. Playwright Sam Perez, a sophomore musical theater major and recipient of the Dr. Rodriguez Award of Creative Excellence, shared their feelings.

“I was sitting there with my heart in my stomach, but in a good way, I think,” Perez said. “Being able to watch my friends interpret it, my art and makeup art was really inspiring.” 

Keith Hilliard, senior English major and vice president of Sigma Tau Delta, said the publication process is centered on the elevation of student voices and building confidence among contributors. 

“I find a lot of fulfillment in elevating the voices of other creative people because I know how hard it is to get your work out there and really find people that you connect with,” Hilliard said.  

Beyond providing a platform, Hilliard said he hopes the magazine will instill confidence in its contributors and readers. 

“I hope that it encourages students to be more open with their creative and personal expressions,” Hilliard said. “I feel like it encourages people to be more confident in what they make and be more comfortable connecting with other people on an emotional and creative level.” 

The Aries faculty adviser said the magazine creates significant connections in the community. “It gives this mirror of who we are and of what we are, and it also preserves it at this time,” Graves said. 

To learn more about Aries magazine and read their newest publication, click here.