For over 60 years, “The Reflector” has provided a creative outlet for Shippensburg University students to showcase their literary work and art.

“The Reflector,” SU’s student-run literary journal, showcases undergraduate students’ work in poetry, prose and art. Every year students submit pieces to the journal for a chance to be published.

Last year, “The Reflector” set a new record with over 250 story submissions.

Anna D’Orazio, editor-in-chief, and Angela Piper, associate editor, are in charge of the 30-member club. Together they organize meetings, plan events and heavily promote submission opportunities by creating social media posts and flyers.

In the fall, the organization hosted a successful Halloween-themed open-mic. D’Orazio and Piper work to connect with other campus organizations such as SU’s Shakespeare Troupe, Act V Theatre Co. and the Pride Center by traveling to academic buildings and dorms. 

During the winter break, the organization’s executive board reads and selects works to be published.

According to Piper, the toughest part of the job is the process of elimination and budget allocation for both “The Reflector” and “The Spawning Pool.” 

“We are in charge of almost a $1,100 budget so we have to navigate how we spend that budget,” D’Orazio said. 

With the limited budget, it does not leave enough room for everyone’s works to be published. 

“It can be such a difficult process because we can only accept so many pieces at a time. We can’t publish an 800-page book,” Piper said. 

Another issue D’Orazio and Piper face is finding students who are willing to come out of their shells to submit their pieces.

The organization recognizes that many students do not feel comfortable with others critically reading their work and the possibility of facing rejection. D’Orazio suggests to overcome the fear and take a chance.

“The Reflector’s” sister publication, “The Spawning Pool,” releases three short pamphlet-sized books called chapbooks that contain poems, stories and artwork. 

“The Spawning Pool’s” categories have different themes each year.

The theme for poetry this year is 2 a.m. thoughts, prose is connections and art’s theme is nature.

The newest editions of the Reflector and the Spawning Pool will be released on April 23. The organization will host a launch party at Cora I. Grove Spiritual Center. After working hard on the upcoming editions, D’Orazio and Piper said they have hope the launch will be a success.

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