BEMIDJI, Minn. (April 5, 2011) — Twenty-five Bemidji State University students served on the editorial board and staff for the 2011 edition of “Dust and Fire,” one of four literary publications produced annually by University students and faculty.

Since 1987, Bemidji State’s “Dust & Fire” anthologies have held the strong voices of many women and each year expands the treasury of their stories. The first volume was published by Bemidji State’s Women’s Resource Center under the editorship of Kristine Cannon. It was called “Women’s Stories Must Be Told,” promising a place where women could share their work with others.

It has kept its promise. For two decades women have sent their words “from the tongue of dust and fire” to be collected and passed around the waiting circle. Over time, “Dust & Fire” has evolved and gained strength. After six years it honored Minnesota writer and activist, Meridel LeSueur, as a mentor to women writers and used her words for a new title, “Dust & Fire.” A new editor, Helen Bonner, guaranteed the original intent of the anthology remained true – to honor women’s expressions of their life experiences. In 1997 the editors expanded this expression to include art by women, and in 2000 they began two new traditions: awards for submissions and the inclusion of students on the editorial board.

Faculty advisors for the 2011 edition of “Dust and Fire” are Lauren Cobb, associate professor of English; Maureen Gibbon, associate professor of English; and Rosalie Benoit Weaver, professor of English. Christine Harris, an office and administrative assistant in Hagg-Sauer Hall, also served on the editorial board.

The University also publishes anthologies of works by men, high-school aged writers and BSU students.

For more information, contact Maureen Gibbon in the Department of English at (218) 755-4021.

Editors and staff for the 2011 edition of “Dust and Fire” are listed below by hometown.

BEMIDJI
56601 | Alanna Gauthier, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.
56601 | Elizabeth Poehler, junior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.
56601 | Erin Riley, senior, psychology and creative & professional writing; editorial board.
56601 | Jessica Santala, senior, no major; editorial board.
56601 | Jennifer Schultz, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.
56601 | JoHanna Windecker, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

MINNESOTA
BLAINE
55014 | Rachael Kester, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

BLOOMINGTON
55438 | Christa Smith, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

DEER RIVER
56636 | Dustin Horner, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

EAST BETHEL
55005 | Justin Poppens, senior, English; editorial board.

ERSKINE
56535 | Rachel Bensen, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

ESKO
55733 | Amanda Sorensen, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

HIBBING
55746 | Meghan Bittner, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

KEEWATIN
55753 | Dean Brooks, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

OWATONNA
55060 | Kristin Vetter, senior, creative & professional writing and English; managing editor.

RAY
56669 | Orie House, senior, English and creative & professional writing; editorial board.

RED LAKE FALLS
56750 | Samantha Thibert, design technology and marketing communication; editorial board.

REMER
56672 | Angela Walker, junior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

St. FRANCIS
55070 | Katrina Scherff, junior, English; editorial board.

St. PAUL
55117 | Steve Williams, senior, creative & professional writing, English and philosophy; editorial board.

WALKER
56484 | Casey Fisher, senior, creative & professional writing; managing editor.

ZIMMERMAN
55398 | Toni Judnitch, junior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

CALIFORNIA – ANTELOPE
95843 | Ryan Wells, senior, creative & professional writing; editorial board.

— bsu —