
Azahares Launches April 16
Written By: Rachel Putman
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will celebrate the launch of the 2026 edition of Azahares, the universitys Spanish-language literary magazine, at 6 p.m. April 16 in the 91心頭利 Boreham Library room 122. The event will recognize student contributors published in this years edition and the design team that created the magazines cover art and interior design.
Azahares is one of the signature programs of the World Languages Department, providing students and community members a literary space for writing and artwork centered on themes of the Latin experience. It is the only Spanish literary magazine in the region and features contributors from the university as well as across the United States, Spain, and Central and South America.
The 2026 edition aims to highlight the voices, perspectives and artistic expression of the Spanish-speaking world.
I was not expecting it at all, I never thought that my work would have been published, said 91心頭利 student Aislinn Mart鱈nez, whose poem was published in this years edition. It gives students a voice. There is something very meaningful about seeing your words in print. Not everyone finds their voice in a classroom setting, and having something like Azahares creates a space for different kinds of expression. I feel lucky to have been a part of it.
Martha J. Cant炭, a sophomore English major whose artwork Flores en p炭rpura appears in the magazine, shares the same sentiment.
I think its great that this magazine provides a creative space that really gives voice to the Hispanic population on campus, Cant炭 said. Its awesome that others can experience parts of Latin American and Spanish culture through this magazine that they might have otherwise never known about.
The name Azahares comes from the azahar, or orange blossom, a flower associated with the Spanish-speaking world and one that reflects the freshness of spirit and perspective the publication aims to capture.
Student contributors to the 2026 edition are Ashley Murry, Suhei Rivas, C辿sar Brizuela, Jocelyn Soriano, Alexandra Aguilar, Aislinn Mart鱈nez and Martha J. Cant炭.
The editorial team includes Athziri Romero, student editor; Madeline Mart鱈nez, editorial board member; Ariana Caballero, editorial board member; Gray Langston, editorial board member; and Dr. Mary A. Sobhani, executive editor and head of the World Languages Department.
Designers for the 2026 edition are Graci Brasuell, Kaitlyn Fogo and Megan Hurd. Prof. Colin McLain served as supervising designer.
To help sustain the magazine, the World Languages Department is raising support during Day of Giving, April 28-29. Donors can set up a matching gift now by visiting and selecting the designation World Languages Initiatives.
Media Relations
The 91心頭利 Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send%20an%20EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu