Valparaiso Students Publish 19th Letras Magazine

Valparaiso University students read original Spanish poetry at Mueller Hall Refectory on April 22, marking the release of the 19th edition of Letras, the university's Spanish literary magazine.

Professor Carlos Miguel-Pueyo founded Letras to challenge advanced Spanish students beyond vocabulary drills. Each year, students write poems in Spanish, work one-on-one with professors to refine them, and present their work at Spanish Poetry Day.

This year's edition explores the theme "Quimera," meaning chimera, examining dreams and aspirations that feel just out of reach. Students addressed identity, love, and purpose through their second language.

Martha Bravo, a junior and student editor of Letras, submitted a poem last year. She said working on this year's publication deepened her appreciation for Spanish-language literature. "The Spanish-speaking diaspora is so large," Bravo said. "However, Spanish-language literature is largely underrepresented in our country despite it being the second most-spoken language."

Spanish Lecturer Giosuè Alagna said the magazine distinguishes itself among college Spanish programs. "Only a select number of colleges offer similar initiatives," Alagna said.

The university's Spanish program offers courses tailored to healthcare, business, STEM fields, and translation. Students complete the full publishing process from drafting to a professionally produced final magazine.

Information about the Spanish program is available at valpo.edu/spanish.