By Tricia Cherry —
On April 30th, the party celebrating the publication of the Illuminati’s 2026 spring issue was held in Wilks Conference Center from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. The event featured free issue prints, catering, an open mic portion, and a surprising, heartfelt farewell.
The Illuminati (not that Illuminati) is Miami Regionals’ student-run creative writing organization, headed by professors Eric Melbye and Jimmy Hollenbeck. This year, the Illuminati won Miami’s “organization of the year” award. Beginning in the 90s, the Illuminati’s mission for over thirty years has been to cultivate creativity among Miami Regional students. Every year’s issue is published toward the end of every spring semester, with members having the opportunity to submit their poetry, short stories, and artwork to be included over the proceeding months.
Details on the organization can be found at Notthatilluminati.wordpress.com. This site also hosts free-to-read copies of all publications.
The open-mic was an opportunity for attending members to read poetry or short stories, either their own or the works of others. Throughout the readings was a raffle in which winners received a high-quality Miami University tote bag with a Miami tumbler cup, an Illuminati yoga mat, and free issues of both this year’s spring edition and a collection of past years’ publications.
During the festivities, it was announced that Professor Jimmy Hollenbeck will be leaving Miami University after this semester. A professor of creative writing, Jimmy is loved by both staff and students here at Miami, and his classes are always very popular; he was described by one of his students as “taking the scary out of writing.” Jimmy was honored with a farewell gift shortly before the open mic. When asked where he’ll be going next, Jimmy said he didn’t know for sure, but that he was already in communication with other universities.
Only time will tell how the Illuminati will fare in the future without Prof. Hollenbeck, but submissions for next year’s issue of the Illuminati will begin next year. Until then, creatives are encouraged to continue writing, drawing, and painting over break. Students can join the organization at any time, and all students are welcome.
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