By Maureen Wilson —
Illuminati: Journal of the Arts, a student organization and publication, celebrated its 30th anniversary and 2025 Spring issue launch recently on the Middletown campus. Much excitement was generated for this occasion, as it was the first physically published issue since 2019 and was combined with an in-person open mic.
Before the party was formally began, faculty advisors Dr. Eric Melbye and Professor Jimmy Hollenbeck expressed their appreciation for Illuminati’s student staff and how far the organization has come, interjected with some humor and genuine gratitude. Sean Hopper and Kathryn Keefer, Illuminati’s President and Treasurer respectively, also had some words to say about how the organization has positively impacted their lives and how rewarding the publishing process has been. Vice President Lindsey Cooley and editors Mariah Cook, Kira Day, Morgan McIntosh, and Maureen Wilson were honored in the audience.
Kira Day served as the night’s MC, introducing the rules of the open mic, its readers, and the results of the four raffles. Mariah Cook was the first to read, but there were technical difficulties regarding her accompanying video. Nevertheless, the event marched on and Tyson Jung began with “Milk Pt. 1” and “Milk Pt. 2.” Afterwards, a raffle was drawn for an Illuminati mug. Angela Reasch read her poem “The Great American Dream,” and another raffle was drawn for a second mug. Maya Levline followed with “A Death” and Emma England with “1 A.M. at the Waffle House.” The third raffle was for a stack of older Illuminati issues. Nearing the end of the open mic, Maureen Wilson presented “Blink Twice” and the final raffle was pulled for an Illuminati t-shirt. (All poems just mentioned can be found in the publication’s most recent issue, which went live online during the event.) Sean Hopper read “Perfection” and “Bubble Gum Juice.” Mariah Cook, who opted to read her poem without its visual, finished the open mic portion with “If Disability Was An Artist.”
The last hour or so consisted of cutting cake, mingling, and taking photos. There was no shortage of food, either, as Domino’s pizzas were provided alongside trays of fruit, vegetables, and a charcuterie board. A photo op was set up in the corner of the room with provided props, as 90s hits played in the background, contributing to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Plenty of writers and their families attended. Some students were there for extra credit, others simply curious, and faculty members were present as well to celebrate. Regardless of participants’ motivation for attending, everyone left a little more invested in the organization and even inclined to join, much to the delight of the existing member. As the event ended, it felt somewhat bittersweet, as three members of Illuminati are graduating this spring: Sean Hopper, Kathryn Keefer, and Maureen Wilson. However, the future of Illuminati is bright given its “second wind” of new recruits and plans to continually evolve with its new audience.
