2008 Woodie Awards
Talisman celebrates 35 years of publication
Adviser credits success to student effort and contributions on many fronts
Elizabeth Sinclair-Smith
Date created: 3/10/04 Section: NEWS
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Spring is rapidly approaching, and telltale signs can be seen all over campus. Flowers are blossoming on tree branches, the days are getting longer and the sun is shining more. But perhaps the catalyst of these is the return of Skyline College's literary magazine, the Talisman.
An annual spring fixture, the Talisman publishes student poetry, art, and short stories, as well as offering cash prizes in contests. Of the many years the publication has been in existence, this year stands out as special, as the magazine will be publishing its 35th edition, and faculty adviser, Katharine Harer could not be happier.
"I really love doing it," she said. "There's a lot of creativity here, and that motivates us to want to highlight it."
While Harer has only been adviser for 10 years, she is just as dedicated as ever to keep the publication going. She likens the work to a labor of love that involves both faculty and student, without either, such an effort would not be bothered with. She is also helping the magazine overcome the financial obstacles that state budget cuts have caused.
"[Budget cuts] have affected us, but the Language Arts department is really dedicated to putting the Talisman out," she said. "My dean has assured me that they will put in the same amount [of money] they put in, in the past, which I was a little concerned about. I'm hoping that we can pull it together if the Associated Students is willing to help. They have helped in the past, and they've been so generous. Without the Associated Students, there wouldn't be a magazine."
According to Harer, in the past the magazine has tried fundraising to pay for the publishing cost, which is approximately $3,000, and never got more than a few hundred dollars in return. Thus, the Talisman turned to the Associated Students of Skyline College for financial assistance. With the money from the ASSC and fundraising, the cost is no longer a problem.
"It takes a lot of effort and a couple hundred dollars doesn't work," she said. "It's really a combination of the Language Arts department, the Associated Students, and whatever little fundraising we can do around here. Sometimes English teachers have been really generous and have given me checks to help. Also, we get the printing done here at Skyline, so that cuts down a little on the cost."
An annual spring fixture, the Talisman publishes student poetry, art, and short stories, as well as offering cash prizes in contests. Of the many years the publication has been in existence, this year stands out as special, as the magazine will be publishing its 35th edition, and faculty adviser, Katharine Harer could not be happier.
"I really love doing it," she said. "There's a lot of creativity here, and that motivates us to want to highlight it."
While Harer has only been adviser for 10 years, she is just as dedicated as ever to keep the publication going. She likens the work to a labor of love that involves both faculty and student, without either, such an effort would not be bothered with. She is also helping the magazine overcome the financial obstacles that state budget cuts have caused.
"[Budget cuts] have affected us, but the Language Arts department is really dedicated to putting the Talisman out," she said. "My dean has assured me that they will put in the same amount [of money] they put in, in the past, which I was a little concerned about. I'm hoping that we can pull it together if the Associated Students is willing to help. They have helped in the past, and they've been so generous. Without the Associated Students, there wouldn't be a magazine."
According to Harer, in the past the magazine has tried fundraising to pay for the publishing cost, which is approximately $3,000, and never got more than a few hundred dollars in return. Thus, the Talisman turned to the Associated Students of Skyline College for financial assistance. With the money from the ASSC and fundraising, the cost is no longer a problem.
"It takes a lot of effort and a couple hundred dollars doesn't work," she said. "It's really a combination of the Language Arts department, the Associated Students, and whatever little fundraising we can do around here. Sometimes English teachers have been really generous and have given me checks to help. Also, we get the printing done here at Skyline, so that cuts down a little on the cost."
