Since 2008, Prism Review has been almost exclusively under the editorial direction of Sean Bernard, with the keen help of University of La Verne undergraduates. But the journal has a much longer history: in 1977, Dr. Esther Davis suggested “PRISMS” as the concept for a school literary magazine, and advisor Kathleen Irace heralded the first journal into production. Since then many La Verne faculty have advised and edited the student editorial board, including Sara Ellen Fowler, Cathy Irwin, Kirsten Ogden, Catherine Henley-Erickson, Ken Scambray, Ann Fisher, Carol Fetty, and Janice Johnson.
In May of 2004, the magazine became Prism Review, and the lead faculty member at the time, Kirsten Ogden, reevaluated the mission and goals and took steps to make the journal more community- and nationally-oriented. The production shifted from hand-typed and photocopied chapbook-sized stapled issues to a square-binding which showcased photography and a wider array of writing genres. This was Prism‘s first move toward an expansion that would eventually welcome works of all writers in the country and the world.
Prism‘s ongoing goal is to annually publish contemporary poetry, non-fiction, and fiction from both national and international authors, choosing the best 10-20 or so pieces from the 500-1000 submissions received each year. The magazine sponsors annual prizes in fiction and poetry, and these are judged by highly respected contemporary writers including Douglas Manuel, Victoria Chang, and Felicia Zamorra. Unlike many journals, Prism‘s staff (save for the faculty advisors/editors) is entirely made up of undergraduate (mostly creative writing) students here at the University of La Verne — please be impressed by both their hard work and excellent and eclectic taste. Prism Review also publishes interviews and reviews with emerging contemporary authors and has been been lucky to do interviews with many notable writers including Lynne Thompson, Carribean Fragoza, Craig Santos Perez, and Lucy Corin.