Argus has been a place for students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana to express their creativity and literary talents for 48 years. With each edition, Argus captivates readers with its visuals and compelling narratives.
Each year the Argus team picks a new theme for its literary magazine. The magazine for the 2024-2025 school year will focus on phobias: an extreme or irrational fear.
The organization program has always published one magazine yearly, but this summer, the Argus staff recognized greater potential and cultivated new ideas to advance the program.
The Argus staff decided to incorporate mini magazines called ‘Zines that will showcase the talents of NSU students throughout the year. Every month this year, Argus will produce one zine that highlights a different phobia.
“The ‘Zine series is something brand new that started this year. Argus should have more publications instead of only one big magazine a year. ‘Zines are mini versions of the big magazine that is published,” Rebecca Scott, a senior psychology and English double major and Argus Editor-in-Chief, explained.
The February ‘Zine edition will focus on “Philophobia,” the fear of love. With Valentine’s Day in February, Argus encourages NSU students to submit literature, photos, drawings and designs that encompass the fear of love.
The submission link for the “Philophobia” edition closes on Feb. 19. The link can be found in student messenger, Argus website and Argus Instagram and Facebook pages. Submissions are open to all NSU students. The “philophobia” ‘zines will be available on Feb. 24 both digitally on the Argus website and physically on the third floor of Kyser Hall.
The release party for “Phobias” will be hosted on April 9 in the Lucille Hendricks room, also known as the mini ballroom, in the Friedman Student Union. It will have catering, awards, free merchandise and readings from students featured in the “Phobias” edition. The NSU-Argus Award for Excellence in Creative Writing will also be awarded at this banquet.
Grace Culpepper, a junior psychology major and design editor for Argus, discussed how the ‘Zines can be promotional material so people can visit the release party at the end of the year. The Argus staff is busy working on exciting new ways to change and improve the program.
“This edition will be very different from past Argus editions,” Culpepper said.
With the addition of ‘Zines, the Argus staff is excited for this year’s “Phobia” magazine release.
Rebecca Macijeski, Argus faculty adviser, explained why students should join or submit to the organization.
“Argus is an important presence on campus because it gives individuals with interest in literary editing a chance of experience while they are in college, it is also a great opportunity to showcase the artistic talent on our campus,” Macijeski said.
Students interested in creative writing, photography and fine arts should consider utilizing this opportunity to express themselves artistically on their college campus.
