Helen Anne Easterly,  first faculty advisor for P'an Ku.	Betty Owen

P'an Ku is the student literary/arts magazine of Broward College. The first issue appeared in 1964. The first advisor of the magazine was Helen Anne Easterly. The first issue contained a variety of work, including work by faculty as well as students. One of the highlights of the issue was a short story, "It Reminds One of the Opera," by Harry Crews, who was a faculty member at BCC during the sixties and early seventies. The magazine was on the verge of ceasing to exist when a new faculty member agreed to be the advisor. Her name was Betty Owen. For more than two decades, Betty was the driving force behind, not only P'an Ku, but also creative writing at the college. Known as the "Patron Saint of Literary Magazines," Betty was involved in all aspects of student writing at not only the local level at the college but also on the state level. Betty is a member of the Florida Community College Press Association's Hall of Fame. At the annual convention, Betty's magazine critiques were the highlight of the presentations. Betty was also elected to the Florida Community College Activities Association's Hall of Fame as the first publications advisor to be so honored. The issues of the magazine during the sixties, seventies, and early eighties, reflect the diverse nature of the students and the nurturing and encouragement that Betty also gives to everyone who comes in contact with her. Her ideals are reflected in the magazine today. P'an Ku has a long tradition.

The first issue of P'an Ku	The current (Winter2008) issue of P'an Ku. Cover painting by Patrick!

The purpose of P'an Ku is to promote and encourage the creative efforts of the students of Broward College, in the literary and visual arts. It also serves as a training ground for those students who might be interested in pursuing careers in editing, publishing, graphic design, advertising, and any other aspect of the collaborative creative process. The magazine is published twice yearly, in each of the two major terms. It is also a member of the Florida Community College Press Association. Each year in October, the Association holds its annual convention. The key feature of the convention is the Awards banquet. Winners of the annual contest are announced (see the list elsewhere on this site). It is generally considered one of the best literary/arts magazines among the community colleges in the State of Florida.

Though based on South Campus, in the student services building, students from all campuses are welcome to not only submit work to the magazine, but also to work on it. Staff members, in areas such as design and layout, as well as poetry, fiction, art, and photography, are always needed. No prior experience is necessary. The main requisite is enthusiasm. If this sounds like something you would like to be part of, email me, Dr. Patrick Ellingham, or stop by the P'an Ku office, Building 68, Room 246, on South Campus. You can also call me at 954-201-8858.