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In Chinese mythology, P’an Ku was the God of Creation. Born of chaos, he was both male and female. The
Yin and the Yang are his symbols. He spent over 18,000 years creating the
sun, the moon, the stars, the heavens, and the Earth.
After P’an Ku died, he split into a number of parts. His head formed the Sun and
Moon. His blood became the rivers and the seas. His hair became the forests. His
sweat became the rain. His breath became the wind, and his voice became the thunder.
His fleas became the ancestors of man.
P’an Ku is the ancient Chinese God of Creation. Anyone who is endowed with creativity
is possessed by the spirit of P’an Ku.
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About P'an Ku the
Magazine
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First issue of P'an Ku
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P'an Ku is the student literary/arts magazine of Broward College. 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 College System Press Association (FCSPA).
Each year in October, the Association holds its annual convention. The key feature
of the convention is the Awards banquet, where winners of the annual contest are
announced. P'an Ku is generally considered one of the best literary/arts magazines
among the community colleges in the State of Florida. |
Fun Facts
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Helen Anne Easterly, first faculty advisor for P'an
Ku
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- 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.
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P'an Ku's Backstory
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Betty Owen, Patron Saint of Literary Magazines
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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 College System Press
Association's (FCSPA) 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. |