Baldwin Wallace University is proud to announce the publication of the 2025 issue of the Mill, with its release on April 10th with a celebration in the lower level of the Union.
“The Mill” is BW’s student run literary and arts journal that explores and showcases the upcoming talent in the student body. The release party in April was not only a great opportunity for students and staff to celebrate the chosen works, but for the creators themselves to put a voice and face to their creations.
Students who had pieces selected for the 2025 issue were given the opportunity to present their accomplishments to an audience. Some contributors also offered to read their stories and poems or present their photography and artwork.
Kyra Smyth, a freshman Visual Communications and Design Major was one of the many students that submitted art for “The Mill”. Her piece, a digital art piece of a tiger, was accepted for publication.
“My piece was inspired by ancient Japanese painting,” Smyth said, “and how they focus on the silhouette so it can be a simple design but have clarity.”
Smyth also gave insight into what it means to be an artist and the very isolated mindset when creating something like this. Not many of the students featured in the Mill often have their moment to read or share their work to such an audience.
“When I was doing it [drawing] I wasn’t thinking about that part,” Smyth said, “I chose a tiger because it is a very prominent Japanese animal…and because they’re cool.”
The BW community was encouraged to attend this event in support of fellow students and faculty that worked hard on this project. “The Mill” stands as an annual achievement for the university and is a chance to get first-hand experience of a long-standing BW tradition.
On top of the writing and artistic experience, “The Mill” serves as a great networking opportunity for students. Students working on “The Mill” get first-hand experience with professionals in production and writing, culminating in a networking experience during the release party.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity and a professional opportunity,” said Sharon Kubasak, an associate English professor, “We offer practical experience in publishing.”
While students get a lot out of the experience, professors also gain a lot of insight. Professor Michael Garriga, the Chair to the English and Creative Writing department, attests that the journal has become “one of the cornerstones of the writing program.” The journal stands as a long-lasting testament of achievement that has survived through all these years.
Students will continue to have opportunities to submit works for future Mill publications. The English and Arts departments are always hoping for more students to create and share through expression while on campus. Faculty are encouraging students to begin planning for next school year’s publication in an effort to gain more interest.
