March 11, 2025 — For over six decades, the Mosaic has served as Marist’s literary and arts magazines, publishing students’ creative works and offering real-world publishing experience.

For Abby Castonguay '25, the Mosaic is both a passion project and an opportunity to prepare for her future.

Abby, an English major with a concentration in writing, currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Mosaic, which began publication in 1962. She attended the New York University Summer Publishing Institute last year and will begin her master of science in publishing at NYU in the fall. 

“Working as the Mosaic Editor-in-Chief has provided me with incredible hands-on opportunities,” Abby said. “This experience has been invaluable, and it has prepared me for the editorial work I plan to pursue in my graduate studies and post-graduate career.”

The Editor-in-Chief oversees the magazine from beginning to end. Abby leads the team in constructing the magazine, culminating in printing 375 copies for the launch party.

“The collaboration and time management needed to create Mosaic serves students well, both in college and beyond,” said Dr. Moira Fitzgibbons, professor of English and co-faculty advisor for the Mosaic. “The students establish and advance a production schedule, publicize submission dates and events, and organize refreshments and other aspects of each semester’s launch party.”

Abby Castonguay '25, Editor-in-Chief of the Mosaic, and Riley Mazzocco '26, previous Editor-in-Chief, posing with the cover of the Mosaic at the Fall 2024 launch party. Photo courtesy of Abby Castonguay '25.

“I love being a part of every step of the publishing process,” said Abby. “As cheesy as it sounds, it is truly magical to watch everyone flip through the magazine for the first time. It makes all the busy days and late nights entirely worth it.” 

The magazine is a rare opportunity for experiential learning in the publishing industry. By expanding English education beyond the classroom, students are set up for success in their chosen fields. 

“We hear back from graduates that the leadership opportunities provided by Mosaic have been helpful to them,” said Dr. Fitzgibbons. “At an English-major alumna panel held last spring, three of the panelists said that their editorial experience with Mosaic gave them the experience and confidence they needed to land internships—and eventually jobs—in the fields of publishing, journalism, and film production.”

Students don’t need to be English majors to get involved. Current board members have majors and minors in history, digital media, American studies, psychology, social justice, and more. 

Ryann Anderson '26, a history major with a minor in political science and Assistant Editor-in-Chief, says that the magazine lets her explore her creativity on campus.

“The Mosiac was my first experience in publishing my work and thus became a big part of my identity as a Marist student and writer,” Ryann said. “Working on the board has already taught me a lot about time management, cooperation, and leadership.”

A spread of the Spring 2023 edition of the Mosaic. Photo by Lauren Lagasse '25.

Submissions are open to all members of the Marist student body. 97 student works were featured in the Fall 2024 edition.

Morgan Chambers '25, an English major with a concentration in writing, was one of the students whose work was published. Her poem “the full moon” and photos “isle of skye” and “cliffs of moher” appear in the magazine, and her photo “endless fields” was selected to be the cover.

"It’s incredible to see my work celebrated alongside such powerful stories and voices," Morgan said. "To be part of a magazine that beautifully weaves together art and writing is an honor." 

Isabel Padilla '26 reading her poem “Fated” at the Mosaic poetry reading in Saxbys cafe. Photo by Lauren Lagasse '25.

The Mosaic publishes student work across five categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, and photography. Board applications and submissions open at the beginning of each semester. 

The club also sponsors literary events on campus, such as the poetry reading at Saxbys as a part of the University Day celebration and a Write-a-thon fundraiser for Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley. 

The Spring 2025 edition of the Mosaic will be available in early May. Click here to read past editions of the Mosaic.