The following article was written in May of 2025:

Friday, May 2nd, the Elements Release Party was held in the Simpkins Reading Room. Students and faculty celebrated Elements and all of its writers, editors, and contributors. Professor Barbara Lawhorn kicked off the event, welcoming all of those who attended. She also recognized the editors, artists, judges, and faculty who took part in making the literary magazine a reality. She recognized Chair Marjorie Allison, who will be stepping down as chair and focusing on teaching, and Dr. Ashley Beardsley, who will soon be leaving Western.

Dr. Beardsley was instrumental in the development of Elements and is the reason physical copies of the magazine were brought back. Professor Lawhorn relayed the sentiment that she often says to those she teaches, that once they are her students, they will always be her students. Similarly, she said, “Once you are a part of Elements, you will always be a part of Elements.”

The party served Jimmy John’s sandwiches, cookies, chips, and a lovely cake. While they ate, students passed around copies of Elements, signing pages for each other. Later, students shared fearlessly, with Lydia Quattrochi, Lauren Bell, and Marston Harroun reading their works featured in Elements aloud. Pictures were taken of those featured in Elements and the Elements team. Western’s creative community was successfully celebrated with joy.