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Minnesota State College Southeast

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Minnesota State College Southeast will release new edition of college literary journal at Alumni & Friends Mixer in Red Wing on September 29

UPDATE (10/2/2023): View our new book online or download the PDF on the college website. 

Highway 61, Revised (Vol. II) Book CoverRed Wing, MN (September 21, 2023) -- When the English faculty at Minnesota State College Southeast decided to publish the first edition of Highway 61, Revised as an annual literary journal in January 2020, they couldn't know that a global pandemic would break out within a matter of weeks. 

That put their plans for future editions on hold.

At long last, Highway 61, Revised (Vol. II) is being published. The book release party will be held on September 29, 2023, the final event in a full day of campus celebrations related to the college's 50th Anniversary in Red Wing.

The first volume of Highway 61, Revised was released on February 28, 2020, just days before the world shut down. 

"We had a reading and celebration at Fair Trade Books in downtown Red Wing. It was wonderful. Then we endured the many cold, quiet months of Covid. So the release of this second edition of Highway 61, Revised is especially poignant, especially delightful," reflected writing instructor Pete Beurskens.

The book celebration will be part of the Alumni & Friends Mixer on September 29, 2023 from 4-7 pm at MSC Southeast's Red Wing Campus, 308 Pioneer Road. Hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and cake will be served. Everything is free and open to the public. For more information, see www.southeastmn.edu/anniversary.

Books will be available for purchase, and there will be readings of poetry and prose along with musical performances during the Open Mic from 6-7 pm. 

There are 40 different works of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction in Highway 61, Revised (Vol. II) by 18 authors, ranging from PSEO (current high school) students to adult students from all walks of life. 

"Perhaps one good thing that came from the shutdown was that students had more time to read, reflect, and write," said Beurskens. "In these pages you will find joy, sorrow, and glory. This batch of creative writing students have certainly done the writer's job -- they have brought order and beauty to chaos and ugliness. I applaud them!" 

Highway 61, Revised (Vol. II) will be available for sale in Minnesota State College Southeast's Winona Book Store and at Fair Trade Books in Red Wing. 

For more information or a review copy of the book, contact Katryn Conlin, Director of Communications, at 651-385-6364 or kconlin@southeastmn.edu.

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About Minnesota State College Southeast

Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a two-year technical and community college offering small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and a friendly and supportive environment. In 2023-2024, the college is celebrating its 50 & 75 Anniversary Year: 50 years of service in Red Wing and 75 years of service in Winona. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of Minnesota State. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.edu.