Hilda Raz: A Celebration

I have a great love and regard for Hilda Raz. In the years I worked with her as business manager at Prairie Schooner (1986-1993), her warmth, friendship, and guidance made me a wiser person both personally and professionally. During my time at Schooner I was able to witness Hilda's savvy as an editor, her skill as a writer, and her endless generosity as she gave her time to all who needed it—students, writers, staff, the department. Just as I was blessed to have been a part of Hilda's extended family, Schooner has been fortunate to have had the long-term benefit of Hilda's determination, insight, and proverbial blood, sweat, and tears over these many years as she has kept the magazine moving forward. Back in 1986 we were waxing film and pasting it up on boards on a light table to get the magazine ready to send to the printer. We offered maybe one or two writing prizes as payment to authors. Now the magazine is almost double in size, offers a plethora of writing prizes for work published in the magazine, has an endowed editorship, and produces a book prize series. So cheers and bon voyage, Hilda! A big thank you from all of us on whose lives you have made an indelible impression.