When three Saint Mary's alumnae started the College's campus interest magazine, Bellezine, they wanted a publication that would give students "a voice of their own — a canvas to express their thoughts, ideas and knowledge," according to the magazine's first edition in 2002.
Eight years later, Bellezine is still publishing student-generated work, "reflecting the interests and experiences" of the women at the Saint Mary's, said co-editor Eilis Wasserman, a junior.
The magazine published creative stories, advice, personal interviews, personal essays, interest articles and surveys.
"The content is varied and broad, allowing students to publish many ideas," said Wasserman, who leads the publication along with junior Brittany VanSnepson.
"We both oversee the production of the entire magazine, although I deal exclusively with design and communication aspects and she deals exclusively with writing and editing aspects," Wasserman said.
The publication comes out twice a year, once in the fall semester and then again in the spring. Each semester has a prevailing subject.
She said most submissions will be published, but there is an editing process the articles go through.
"We welcome all ideas and articles. The sky is the limit," Wasserman said. "We will print most articles that convey appropriate content for a women's magazine. We will edit all articles to make sure they fit these criteria."
Deadlines for the paper vary, she said, but students generally have about two months to complete their work.
The fall 2010 issue has already been in the works for months and will be released before winter break. Its theme is women's empowerment.
"There are so many great articles in the magazine ranging from The Brain Kelly Era, including comments from Kelly, a comparative piece on the beginning and end of the Iraq War, our new Muggle Quidditch Clu and overall the unique atmosphere of an all-women's college," Wasserman said of the fall issue.
Wasserman said the magazine needs students to help keep it going because it allows students to voice their thoughts and beliefs about the College and what it means to be a woman.
"This magazine helps unify the campus community by truly expressing what it means to be a Belle," Wasserman said. "Our goal is to capture the spirit of [Saint Mary's] through the medium of writing. The magazine will be a great asset on campus that students can look forward to reading every semester."
