The Magdalen Magazine:

A History, An Appeal, and A Declaration of Love

It’s absolutely crazy that our little magazine officially has one-hundred issues! Being Editor-in-Chief this year has been such a great experience and has really allowed me to appreciate the history of the Mag and all of the writers, editors, designers and contributors before me. For our Feature this issue, I wanted to share some of that history with you.

The Magdalen’s first issue was published in 2007 during Freshers Week. It featured articles by six writers and three designers across twenty pages, and its cover has a photograph of, and leading article about, the band Snow Patrol and their origins in Dundee. You can still read this issue online on our Issuu profile.

Over the years, we’ve covered all sorts of major moments. From Miley Cyrus’s transformation, to how COVID-19 changed the world, to the fight for staff pensions (which, years later, is still ongoing as we know). Not to forget, of course, the vast display of creative writing from hundreds of contributors over the years – myself included! Every single issue of the Magdalen over the last sixteen years (yes, sixteen) has been filled to the brim with masses of talent.

We also began expanding our online presence, by posting some of our news online, covering elections, current events on campus, and debunking fake news (thanks to Dunfess for that one). We’re still relatively early in our online journey, but just to really drive home that point from earlier, you can read all our past and current issues on our Issuu profile! Get stuck in! to this whole operation.

I want now to appeal directly to you, reader, to get involved. The Mag is a truly incredible experience, and if you’ve enjoyed reading this year, I’m sure there is going to be a space for you next year. Whether it’s writing, editing, designing, doing admin or behind the scenes work, there are boundless opportunities here. If the next Editor-in-Chief is anything like me, there’ll even be a job for tidying the office –something I haven’t got round to in the year I’ve been in this role.

This is only my second year of the Mag, and in my first year, I had little to no experience. I applied for a Section Editor position on a bit of a whim, really keen to get involved but not quite sure I had the chops to edit on this kind of level – I’d never done any ‘proper’ editing before, just some proof-reading. But it was my lucky day, as I got the job, had such an incredible year, and then was chosen for this Editor-in-Chief position after only a year. This could be you! As I say, the opportunities are limitless and the Mag is a perfect place to foster your creative talent. So, for those of you who I’ve successfully persuaded, or those who were probably thinking of applying anyway, since you’ve loved the Mag sooooo much this year, please keep a look out for the launch of the 2023/24 round of applications on our social media.

I’ve been putting off writing this, because how was I going to condense everything I have to say into… *checks word count* the few hundred words I have left? This role, this magazine, has completely shaped my university experience. I’ve practically lived in the DUSA Media Office, even to do my normal course work, because it just feels so much like home. I’ve worked, eaten, cried, even had a little power nap in here. Being surrounded by the huge legacy of the Mag felt overwhelming, even scary at first, but now it feels just like my desk at home.

The role of Editor-in-Chief is so much more than just a nice addition to your CV or LinkedIn profile. The opportunities you have, the connections you make, the skills you learn, are truly like no other. When I took on this role, it felt almost insurmountable – how would I handle all this Mag stuff? But the sense of pride completely usurps all the anxiety. Ask anyone who knows me outside of uni – I never shut up about how I’m the big dog of the uni magazine.

Before I finally, officially, sign off, I want to thank this incredible team. You have been a dream to work with this year. Every single one of you is a credit to the Mag, the university, and more importantly to yourselves. When I talk about how proud I am of the Mag, it’s you I’m talking about. I have so much love for each and every one of you, and I truly do mean that. Thank you so much for making this year incredible.

The Magdalen Magazine is a life changing experience, and when I look back at my university experience after I graduate, the Mag will be a hugely important part of it. Challenging, fulfilling, sometimes stressful, but absolutely worth it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Now I’ll pass you over to the rest of the team. This is Dani McFawns, Editor-in-Chief, signing off.

Sign-Offs from our Mag Team 22/23

Catriona Pritchard (Section Editor, Creative Writing): I loved editing for the Mag this year! My team were amazing and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours. It’s so exciting to be a part of the magazine’s 100th issue, I hope we continue to print many many more.

Bronte Chalmers (Managing Editor): Being part of the Mag is such a rewarding

I love hearing from other students about what’s important to them.

Daisy Pryke (Designer): Designing for the Mag this year has been an amazing experience! Despite the extra work, I have learnt so much about layouts and submissions and it has provided amazing practice for future work. Plus, seeing your work in print every month alongside everyone else’s is so exciting!

Rebecca Raddatz (Staff Writer): Writing for the Magdalen Magazine has been inspiring and challenging – every issue provides new and interesting perspectives and opportunities. Thank you for giving me the chance to be a part of a talented and kind team – and for providing space for growth, both on a personal and creative level.

Mihaela Denkovska (Staff Writer): The Magdalen never lets me forget how fulfilling writing can be. It’s a reminder to re-engage with a beloved hobby and to indulge in other people’s work. As such it has been a wonderful source of motivation for both reading and creativity outside of my comfort zone.

Mariya Georgieva (Managing Editor): Editing for the Magdalen this year was an amazing experience. It’s exciting to take part in the process of creating each issue and rewarding to see your name amongst others who contributed to the magazine.

Emma Sturrock (Section Editor, On/Off Campus): Being involved in the Magdalen process has changed my university experience. I have loved working with other students creating amazing ideas and being involved with a community of people. I am glad to leave the Magdalen at its 100th issue as I begin my post-graduate life.

Angus Coleman (Staff Writer): Writing for The Magdalen this year has been a fantastic experience once again, and I’m honoured to have been able to contribute to the student community in this way while also developing my writing and research skills, and meeting new people. Here’s to 100 more issues!

Roshni Baillie (Section Editor, Lifestyle): Being an editor for The Magdalen this year has been so amazing! It’s been such a pleasure to produce brilliant work with a brilliant team, I can’t wait to see where the Mag goes next!

Aditi Atmashidha: Another year with the Mag has been phenomenal for me! Every issue was a great experience including the wonderful milestone of its 100th issue! I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Mag!

Liam McClurg (Staff Writer): The Mag has been great to write for, all the editorial staff have been helpful and it has improved my writing, helped my confidence and has been a welcome escape from coursework.

Rachel Goodman (Senior Feature Editor): I have loved being part of the Magdalen’s editorial team this year! It has really allowed me to unlock and develop my passion for editing and it’s so rewarding to contribute to the university community in this way. The feature writers I’ve worked with have been truly incredible and I can’t wait to see what the Magdalen and its amazing team do next!

Reneé Dumenil (Staff Writer): It has been brilliant writing for The Mag, from the challenging and pride sparkling work to the community I have been invited into. I’m so grateful that I got this experience and cannot wait to see how The Mag continues to grow.

Orla Davey (Staff Writer): Writing for The Magdalen has been a brilliant experience! Seeing your own work get published, alongside many other talented writers and designers, is an incredibly rewarding moment that you’ll never forget. The Magdalen has provided valuable opportunities for creative growth, and an inspiring, supportive writing community. It feels very fitting to finish my time as a writer with Issue 100, and I look forward to seeing how The Magdalen continues to grow!

Hannah Hamilton (Staff Writer): The Mag Team have been as wonderful as ever and I’ve found a lot of inspiration and joy in this years content. Seeing my work beside so many amazing pieces fills me with joy and excitement at what is to come next. Here’s to another great year at the Mag!

James McLeish (Section Editor, Science and Technology): Joining the Mag as an editor has been awesome, and my team have been great to work with throughout the year. That I could be involved with the Mag’s 100th issue has been amazing, and I hope to continue with the Mag for as much as I can!

Annabel Duff (Staff Writer): It’s been such a rewarding experience writing for the Mag this year! Everyone included in the team has been so warm and helpful and I have learnt so much through joining. I look forward to seeing what the future holds after the 100th Issue!

Georgi Zhechev (Section Editor, Arts & Entertainment): Being a section editor for the Mag has given me a lot of unsuspected creative opportunities. Giving suggestions for making one’s work better, witnessing the improvement of my writers, supporting and encouraging them... To put it succinctly, it was a priceless experience and I would indeed like to thank all my writers for their invaluable effort.