Valpo’s Literary Journal, The Cresset, Wins Four National Awards, including Best in Class

Valparaiso University’s literary journal, The Cresset, received four “Best of the Christian Press” Awards at an April 28 ceremony in Chicago, including the first-place Award of Excellence in the “Best in Class” category for print journals.

Presented by the Associated Church Press at the organization’s annual convention, the awards honor the finest work of religiously affiliated North American newspapers, newsletters, magazines, journals, news services and online publications.

In addition to the Best in Class award, the Cresset received the Award of Excellence for poetry (“While Babel Fell” by Brianna Flavin) in the reporting/writing category; the Award of Excellence for long form devotional/inspirational writing (“Chicken Eight Ways” by Amy Peterson) in the theological category; and the Award of Excellence for photo spread with an article (“The Industrial Vernacular” by author Gregory Maher and photographer Gary Cialdella) in the photography category. Flavin and Peterson won in categories that were open to all media, not only journals or magazines.

“These awards highlight some of the most recent additions to the Cresset’s long tradition of thoughtful and inspired writing,” said Heather Grennan Gary, Cresset editor. “The recognition from ACP is a real tribute to our contributors and their beautiful work.” Gary assumed leadership of the publication last July, following the departure of James Old, who served as editor since 2005. Old remains on the faculty of Valpo’s political science department.

Now in its 80th year, the Cresset was originally published by the Walther League, the youth ministry organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Founding Editor O. P. Kretzmann continued at the journal’s helm even after he became president of Valparaiso University; the university assumed publication of the journal in 1951.

Originally founded to introduce culturally isolated German Lutherans into the American mainstream, the Cresset focused from the very beginning on international affairs, the arts, culture, and science. The journal continues to explore these topics, as well as contemporary trends and ideas. Today, while the Cresset appeals to readers (and writers) from a range of religious backgrounds, it remains grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith.

Visit thecresset.org to read the winning entries and learn more.