Gesture Magazine

Gesture Magazine is Ohio Dominican University’s Literary Journal

A literary magazine is an anthology of original, creative work, compiled and published by a thoughtful team of editors and readers for all to enjoy. Gesture publishes excellent and distinctive works of written and visual art created by members of the ODU community. The magazine is committed to diversity in authorship, subject matter, language and genres. Each issue reflects the creativity and preeminence of the university while supporting the mission of Ohio Dominican. Keep reading to learn more about how you can be involved on staff, or have your own writing featured in our annual publications, or your reading featured at one of our many events! Gesture is supported by ODU’s Department of English, and is the proud recipient of an R.W. Carstens Humanities Endowment to produce a print edition in 2027

Gesture is supported by ODU’s Department of English.

 

Gesture is now open for submissions for the Spring 2027 publication!

 

Want to see your work in print? Submit to Gesture!

Gesture is seeking creative submissions of any kind from all students, faculty, and staff at Ohio Dominican University. All submissions undergo a review process by student editors, staff readers, and faculty advisors. Students in English and other writing-intensive courses are encouraged to submit work from those classes, but submissions are welcomed from students of any major and writing from outside of the classroom. Submissions may include: 

  • Poetry 
  • Short fiction 
  • Creative non-fiction, essay, or memoir 
  • Drama 
  • Photography 
  • Paint, illustration, and other visual art 

To submit to Gesture email your work to Gesture@ohiodominican.edu

Click here to submit to Gesture

Want to be involved? Join Gesture!

Gesture is always looking for students who are interested in all aspects of the editing, marketing, and publishing process for Gesture literary journal. The time commitment is minimal, but students who want to dive fully into leadership and editing roles can gain valuable experience for future career opportunities! English majors and students in creative writing courses are especially encouraged to apply, but all majors are welcome if you are interested in:

  • Publication, layout, graphic design
  • Manuscript editing
  • Social media marketing
  • Promotion and events planning
  • Reading and discussion writing, book club activities
  • Leadership

Students interested in a role as Managing Editor may enroll in the 3 credit hour course Journal Editor (ENG 340) to receive credit towards graduation.

Interested in being involved? Email Gesture@ohiodominican.edu or Faculty Advisor Tony DeGenaro degenara@ohiodominican.edu

About Gesture

Gesture Magazine is a great opportunity for students to learn about the publishing and editing process in the fields of creative writing, publishing, copy-editing and more. Get publishing experience as a writer and an editor!

In addition to pieces selected for publication through the review process, Gesture also honors several student award winners, including:

The Freshman Writing Award

Presented to the writer(s) of an outstanding essay submitted to ODU’s freshman composition courses as nominated by the instructors.

The Sister Maryanna Childs Award

Presented to the writer(s) of an outstanding essay in an upper division course, as nominated by the instructors.

The Judith C. Mitchell Award

Presented to the best piece of creative writing published each year in Gesture.

Upcoming Events

Gesture Literary Magazine presents an evening of poerty

Gesture Events Gallery

Dr. Anthony DeGenaro hosting a Gesture event

Here is an audio recording of the recent event, Gesture: Alive and Unbound, that occurred on April 27, 2026. It was hosted by Faculty Advisor Dr. Anthony DeGenaro.

 
  • Dr. DeGenaro speaking life into the creek - one of the many wild adventures you can have involved with Gesture or in English classes at Ohio Dominican.
  • Dr. DeGenaro's Novels Class honoring the memory of Jack Kerouac at the creek by Peace Hall.
  • Our friends in the Book Lovers Club sharing stories.
  • Professor Glazier at the 2026 Halloween event.

Virtual Library & Back Issue Orders

Download Gesture Spring 2024 Chapbook (40 Mb)
Download Gesture Spring 2026 Chapbook (1.4Mb)

Coming soon – virtual library of historical issues of Gesture. Interested in another back issue? Email Gesture Faculty Advisor Dr. Anthony DeGenaro at degenara@ohiodominican.edu or visit the Gesture Library in Sansbury 201.

Discover ODU's English Department

The English Department here at Ohio Dominican offers students a strong foundation in classic, contemporary and international literature. The breadth of coverage – from Beowulf to Stan Lee – prepares students for a variety of rewarding careers. In addition to our English major, we offer minors in English, Creative Writing and Professional Writing that can enhance any university major.

Learn More