Michael Wyly
Quinton Duval Awardee: Connor John Thorup, Lucy Kuhn, and Michael Wyly posing at the SVR launch party.
On May 15, the Fairfield campus of Solano Community College came alive with creativity, emotion, and youthful energy during the official launch of the 41st edition of Suisun Valley Review; the college’s acclaimed literary magazine. The event brought together students, professors, and guests for an evening of live readings from the new edition, celebrating the artistic talent present in the SCC community.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was the recognition of student Connor John Thorup, author of the impactful short story “Yohanna,” who received a certificate for his outstanding contribution. Connor shared “I’m really happy with this recognition. My goal is to impact the community through my voice and poetry.”
Alongside Connor, students Jayson Bantique, Louise Moises and Caitlyn Barnett also took the stage to share their published works with the audience. Their stories and poems ranged from deeply personal reflections to socially relevant topics, to showcasing the diverse experiences of SCC students.
These featured students offered unique perspectives on their creative journeys. Jayson discussed how writing has supported his emotional growth. Louise described poetry as a powerful therapeutic tool. Caitlyn said that participating in the magazine gave her the courage to share stories she once thought no one would care to hear.
It’s important to note that although these students were the evening’s featured readers, the 41st edition includes many other talented authors.
The magazine presents a rich mix of poetry, fiction, and essays that reflect its commitment to inclusion and artistic expression.
Professor Wyly, the faculty advisor for Suisun Valley Review, led this edition’s production. In his remarks, he encouraged Solano Pulse readers and aspiring writers to enroll in SCC’s English 058 and 059 classes. According to him, these classes go beyond writing and editing—they offer students the opportunity to participate in future editions of the magazine.
“It’s more than a class—it’s a platform for students to amplify their voices and connect with the community through literature,” he said.
English 058 and 059 are currently open for enrollment and serve as creative spaces for students passionate about storytelling and self-expression. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just starting out, these courses offer a welcoming and collaborative environment to develop your voice and publish meaningful work.
Suisun Valley Review has a proud tradition dating back to 1981, when it was founded by a dedicated group of faculty and students with a mission to celebrate campus creativity.
Over the decades, the magazine has become a vital publication at SCC, featuring poetry, fiction, essays, and visual art. With each new edition, the magazine reaffirms its role as a mirror of Solano’s diverse voices and identities.
The 41st edition is a living testament to that legacy and reinforces SCC’s commitment to artistic freedom, representation, and the power of storytelling. For students with a story to tell or a poem waiting to be written, the invitation is clear: “Come raise your voice with us.”