The Mercyhurst University English Department is resuming its annual tradition of the Lumen creative arts magazine by urging students to submit their own creative works. Lumen is a hard-copy publication composed of students’ poems and works of fiction and designed by student graphic artists.

It includes an interactive CD-ROM compiling literary pieces, music and dance clips, full color art and moving graphics from the English, music, dance, art and graphic design departments. Over the winter break, the editorial board will choose the best creative pieces to incorporate into the magazine. The Lumen reception will be held on Thursday, April 25, in Taylor Little Theater where the publication will be unveiled.

Free copies will be distributed to the audience and cash prizes will be awarded for the best submissions. The first place prize is $250, second place prize is $150 and third place is $100. Additionally, the winners will receive a framed certificate of the award.

The unveiling ceremony is the capstone event for the Literary Festival, a three-event series intended to celebrate the talent and creativity of Mercyhurst students. The festival will feature speakers such as Chilean poet Marjorie Agosin and American-Canadian novelist William Kowalski.

Co-founder and director of the Literary Festival and faculty adviser, Dr. Ken Schiff, said, “This is a great opportunity for students to share their creative talents with the rest of the Mercyhurst community.” This year, the Lumen has the fervid support of Marnie Sullivan, Ph.D., co-advisor, and Chelsea Schermerhorn, editor-in-chief.

Students who are interested in becoming part of the 2013 edition of Lumen should submit their work in a Microsoft Word attachment to Lumen@Mercyhurst.edu.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, Dec. 17.