A new idea blossomed between two UW-Whitewater English professors in 2024 about a new magazine that can showcase a side of humanity that seems to be clouded by the negativity in the world. Finally, after two long years of hard work, sifting through submissions and endless hours of work beyond schooling, Either/Or was published.
To show recognition, the literary department threw a launch party at the Roberta’s Art Gallery Feb. 5 to not only showcase the magazine, but also for humanity to connect.
At the beginning of the party, many English professors, alongside students, mingled with one another. As time passed, community members of all ages showed support along with some authors in the magazine. The atmosphere was euphoric from hearing harmonious laughter, to seeing bright, genuine smiles that show the light in people’s eyes as the Either/Or cover art hung on a banner.
“Community consists of imagined love for those whom we do not know or for whom we know very slightly,” said Associate Professor Nicholas Gulig, an editor of Either/Or.
Gulig goes on to tell the story of how this literary magazine came to be. Throughout the speech, the audience can feel the emotion of hard work as well as see how much this project truly meant to him. But he wasn’t alone throughout this process.
“In the world in which this journal begins is one in which we so often feel alone,” said Associate Professor Barrett Swanson, another editor of Either/Or. “This faith in language we try to harvest ourselves and instill in our university students with whom we have spent the last twelve months producing this literary journal.”
After the speeches from Gulig and Swanson, there were two alumni speakers who shared their experience working on Either/Or.
“It was a life-changing experience,” alumna Lily Weitner said. “I am thankful for the experience as it helped drive me.”
Weitner explained further on her journey with Either/Or and expressed how happy she is with the success of the new campus media.
Alumna Megan Mrozek also elaborated on her experience working with Either/Or.
“Engaging in art and literature is being a human,” Mrozek said. “I saw faith and support for the students’ future.”
She explained how rewarding the experience of working in the journal was for her as she reviewed submission after submission of the writer’s hard work. Through this experience she has grown to be more confident and competent in her own skills as a writer, as it was vastly different from the writers’ workshops that she did as an undergrad.
The night shifted to readings from the book, ranging from poetry to an essay about Kurt Cobain and work from a point of view that was invoking to many. Throughout the readings, laughter was heard and tears were shed as the environment shifted from a professional mood to a warmth of acceptance and compassion. The launch party showcased how impactful this magazine truly is, as Either/Or explains stories from well-known artists in the nation and shows just how much the university is branching out.
“This is a reflection of who we are, how to love after a disaster and a hope to find community and language along with what it means to be human,” Swanson said.
Either/Or is available to purchase online using this link. Show support to the new media that can help bring empathy back in a time in which we need it.
