First published in 1956, The New Xanadu showcases the creativity of Doane. The magazine features written work and visual art submitted by students and faculty. “I made a conscious decision to bring Xanadu out of the dark corner of obscurity and make it a platform for voices across campus,” Professor of English Phil Weitl said. “The most important thing we’ll ever do is enable someone to find the power of their own voice, wherever and whenever that might happen.” The New Xanadu (TNX) is now accepting submissions for the 2025 issue. Students and faculty can submit their original unpublished stories, essays, poetry, photography, paintings and more until Feb. 17.
Page requirements or printing restrictions no longer hold back TNX. The magazine made a switch to a purely digital format in 2020. Weitl made the switch to showcase a wider range of work across campus. “Now we can evolve with creativity itself, in the context of technology, multimedia, and generative AI,” Weitl said. Publishing the magazine digitally also allows for easy access and sharing. Editions published before the digital switch can be found in the library. TNX is also working with the library on digitizing those editions for even easier access.
Those who submit work are eligible for the annual Xanadu prizes, each totaling $1,000. All works are reviewed and arranged by an editorial team of students based on their experience and training in the arts. These same students delegate the annual prizes. “What I have learned from being a part of the judging process is that everyone has different ideas of what is good and deserving of a scholarship,” senior Jess Himmelberg said. “So it’s always hard to tell when I read through them who is going to be in the running or not.” Weitl chooses to stay out of the process as the magazine was designed to give English students experience in the nuances of creative life. He encourages all interested people to submit their stories.
“The work of conceiving an idea, crafting it into form, and sharing it with others is an enriching process,” Weitl said. “Not only does it allow you to express yourself, but it also enables you to connect with others who may need to hear what you have to say, and in that way, you realize that creativity is an act of service to others.”
Himmelberg also encourages people to submit their work as it allows them to gain confidence in their writing.
For Himmelberg, The New Xanadu has become a sanctuary and source of guidance. In her letter from the editor at the start of the 2024 edition she wrote, “I would like to take a moment and thank all of the English Department at Doane for caring so much about their students, without you guys I wouldn’t have stayed at Doane.” Writing, editing and participating in TNX allows students a chance to express themselves and learn about creative writing from a variety of standpoints. There are other ways to get involved, too.
The English Department and TNX will also host the annual Lucille Cobb Memorial Lecture this February. The speaker for this year is poet Sony Ton-Aime, who spoke at Doane last year. In that year Sony has amassed more experiences to share with a captive audience. The lecture will take place on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the East/West Dining Room of Perry and is free and open to the public. Additionally, other events are in the works such as a return of the Xanadu Fireside series once the weather warms up.
