The Apocalypse

The Apocalypse Literary Arts Coalition (ALAC) is one of several student run media organizations at Northeastern. It is an annual publication that features an assortment of literary submissions like poetry, creative non-fiction, prose, plays, and art. In its more than 20 year existence on campus, it has continued to bring in well-known literary figures to speak and share experiences with the NEIU community.

On May 21 in the Golden Eagles, the Apocalypse's Reading and Lecture Series presented award-winning author Benjamin Percy. He wrote "Refresh, Refresh," which won the Pushcart Prize and made the Best American Short Stories 2006. He has also won the Plimpton Prize and his anthology "The Language of Elk" was published in 2006. Another short story collection will come out later in 2007.

The well-attended event was also broadcast on WZRD radio. The Volume 14 publication of the Apocalypse also features an interview with Benjamin Percy entitled "Wilderness and Civilization." He currently teaches creative writing, composition and literature at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The Apocalypse had its publication release party on June 2 at Blend cafe, located at 1725 W. Division. Editorial staff member Sean Murphy read a piece called "Resignations," which was written by Daniel Rippeteau. It's a story that relates the extreme loneliness of a young soldier fighting in the Vietnam War. The event also included other pieces, art on display, as well as an Open Mic.

Featured artists for the current publication of the Apocalypse are Chantalism, Sarah Nelson, JE Baker, Cecilia Carboni, Jessica Censotti, Lordes Harper, Brigid Blume, Paul Degen, and Lesley DeJan Martinez. It is currently accepting submissions of all kinds and the deadline is March 1, 2008.

The Apocalypse Literary Arts Magazine expresses the hope that "people will gain a revived sense of enthusiasm for the written word and both verbal and visual artists will begin to take advantage of the plethora of opportunities made available through the hard work of dedicated NEIU students." The editorial staff consists of Sarah Antrim, Mark Vannier, Sean Murphy, Elizabeth Rodriguez, and Lesley DeJan Martinez. The faculty advisor is Professor Debra Bruce-Kinnebrew.

The Apocalypse Literary Arts Coalition is looking for new members and is a great way to get involved at NEIU. It is located outside E-035 and can be contacted via e-mail at alac88@yahoo.com.