The Columbia College magazine of student art and literature, Criterion, has been honored for excellence by The American Scholastic Press Association, which provides feedback on various student publications. For magazines, the evaluation covers layout, graphics, cover design, photography, and creativity. In addition, the ASPA gives recognition to individuals with outstanding artwork and poetry in the magazines submitted for review.
 
The 2007 Criterion received a first-place award, receiving 945 out of 1000 points. Student artist Nikki Gillis received the Best Art prize for her pastel work titled “Youth.”
The 2006 Criterion was recognized in the “first-place with special merit” category, receiving 965 points. Student poet Susie Ball received the Best Poem prize for her work titled “Just Memories Are Left.”
 
English professor Nancy Tuten, who advises the Criterion along with art professor Steve Nevitt, is happy that the staff is receiving external, national recognition for its hard work: “We knew that our staff was producing a quality product, but it is affirming to have external evaluators give the magazine such a high rating.”
Columbia College senior Susie Ball, who was the editor for both winning publications and is editing the 2008 Criterion as well, appreciates the feedback and good suggestions that the ASPA sent with each evaluation: “We plan to use some of the ASPA’s recommendations right away for this year’s publication, which will be published in the spring.” 

First published in 1897, the Criterion holds the distinction of being the oldest continually published magazine by a women’s college in the United States.
 
Columbia College is a private liberal arts women's college with a legacy of developing women leaders with the courage, commitment, confidence and competence to build a better world. In addition to the Women’s College, coeducational evening and graduate programs are also offered. Enrollment is 1500 students from 23 states and 20 countries. Columbia College is also home to the Leadership Institute and the Alliance for Women, a network of colleges, universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and individuals dedicated to working together to bring about positive changes that will improve the lives of all South Carolinians. For more information about Columbia College visit www.columbiacollegesc.edu.
 
Criterion 2006 and 2007 editions

“Youth” pastel by Nikki Gillis

Just Memories Are Left
     By Jaclyn Susie Ball

A year after his death
His garden still lays dead
Weeds and all
With nothing remaining
But half alive stalks of weeds
And steams,
Browned leaves gathered
At the floor of the once spring bed,
Squirrels and birds
That roamed in search of food
Come no more,
No one is left to sow –
No one is left to tend –
The years of labor
Turned to dust within a breath,
Now winter stays –
Along with memories
Of what it once was
And left for us to mend –
For he is only as dead
As we imagine him:
Dead as the once vivid garden now stands
Or alive as the single blossomed rose
Between the dead weeds and thorns.
I’ll tell you this:
Just memories are left –
So grow them good.

(Criterion 2006; Best Poem Prize, American Scholastic Press Association)