Harmony, Culver-Stockton College’s student-led literary magazine, was recently awarded First Place in the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) 2025 national contest, a prestigious recognition honoring excellence in student publications.
Harmony highlights poetry, fiction, visual art, and essays from students across disciplines and is produced at Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) under the guidance of Dr. Ralph Buckner, assistant professor of English. He noted that winning the ASPA award celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and literary talent of C-SC’s student editors and contributors.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my talented team of students. It was a year-long process of advertising, gathering submissions, and putting together the entire edition that makes this recognition so well deserved,” said Buckner.
The award-winning issue of Harmony incorporated complex yet classical themes, according to lead graphic designer Tabitha May Haxel.
“The theme for this edition Harmony started with the front cover — the idea of hidden happiness in the world we live in with our hidden emotions. We also integrated the theme of good and bad, light and darkness. The organization of art and literature goes from light, to dark, then back to light again,” she explained.
Buckner also shared what Harmony brings to the student experience.
“Harmony provides a vibrant platform for creative expression, collaboration, and community building,” he said. “It offers students a space to share their voices through the literary and visual arts, fostering a culture of creativity and intellectual exploration. Contributing to or working on Harmony helps students develop such valuable skills as writing, editing, design, and project management—experiences that can complement
academic learning and enhance resumes. It also cultivates a sense of ownership and pride as students see their work published and celebrated by peers.”
Buckner added that he particularly wants to recognize Haxel.
“I know putting together the edition is a challenging task, and she excelled at it. I would also like to give a shoutout to Randi Lynne Green. She has been helping me since last Fall, helping push for submissions and coordinate events around Harmony,” he noted.
Vist Harmony online at https://www.harmonymagazine.org/.
ASPA’s annual contest evaluates student publications from across the country, with awards based on content quality, editing, design, creativity, and overall presentation.
About Culver-Stockton College
Culver-Stockton College, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.