From the Editors
James Sullivan, Faculty Editor
When I started at Columbia College tasked with advising The Criterion, the message was clear: No matter what, the journal must come out. The alumni would revolt if we failed!
You can see why. Columbia College has a lot to be proud of in The Criterion. Consecutive publication since 1897 is an incredible record—especially considering the many institutional, national, and global changes that have occurred since the journal’s creation.
Plus, The Criterion encapsulates the culture of Columbia’s college—and sometimes Columbia itself. Would you believe issues used to be packed with local ads, and they even charged $2.00 for a subscription? Here are a few of my favorite throwbacks:
Ad for Cromer’s Peanuts: “Guaranteed Worst In Town. Boiled * Parched * Salted. 1235 Assembly Street.”
Ad for Allan’s: “ ‘The Store that’s being Quoted.’ For The Most Unusual Clothes of Your College Career.”
Ads in almost every older issue from Silver’s, whose copy reads, “Columbia College is a Great School in a Great City in a Great State. We are proud to be among you and will do our best to Serve You Well.”
Fashions have certainly changed if these old issues are any indicator. Prices have definitely changed. So, too, have the shape and focus of the journal. This year, we’ve made the leap to an online format. We hope this allows The Criterion to continue to provide a space to highlight an increasing variety of student creativity.
If you think about it, students publishing in The Criterion join a huge historical community of Columbia College’s writers and artists, separated by time but united in this record of their creations. I am honored to play my small role in supporting this community, and I hope you enjoy what the editors have selected for you this year.
Laurel Archie, Faculty Art & Web Director
Many years ago, I was the Art Editor of my high school art & literary magazine, Young Idea. During a time when social stresses are high and one’s confidence is strained, the magazine and its team of editors were a haven to me. I studied Painting in college but minored in English, having always loved the conversation between multiple mediums. That being said, when I started my first year on faculty at CC last August and my new colleague, James Sullivan, mentioned his hopes and goals for the school’s art & lit magazine, I jumped at the chance to get involved. It has been a joy to see my studio art students lend their voices to a collaborative project. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at their engagement and creativity across disciplines. I’ve come to The Criterion honored by its history, delighted to take part in its present, and excited for its future. I hope in reviewing this edition, you feel the same.
Martin Lang, Faculty Art & Print Director
Over the last two years I’ve often paused at the rack of old issues of The Criterion to enjoy the mid-century graphic design, the student writing and to learn more of the history of the school. When I first interviewed at Columbia College, The Criterion was an element of Columbia College that identified this as a place that I wanted to be a part of. The Criterion is a bastion of creative expression and the student voice. It’s been incredibly exciting to watch James Sullivan take the lead from the faculty end of things, and equally exciting to see the growing momentum as student editors rose to the surface and submissions began to roll in. While we’re only online this year, I look forward to a supplemental Risograph printed edition in 2026!
Anthony Monaco: Sorry for dropping a beetle in your office, Professor Sullivan! Maybe he can read poetry submissions next year.
Brooke Garner: "I remained too much inside my head and ended up losing my mind" - Edgar Allan Poe. Exactly how I've been feeling during the school year.
Morgan Washington: I hope everyone enjoys this year's submissions! I'm looking forward to my future endeavors as a part of the Criterion Crew!
Savannah, swamped in the finals week paper/study trenches, sends her regards and thanks to all the writers and artists who submitted