STEVENS POINT − The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Cornerstone Press, a student-operated publishing house, celebrated a historic year for national and regional literary accolades. During the 2025-2026 academic year, the press reported that 22 titles garnered 45 awards from 20 different contests and literary organizations, significantly increasing recognition from the previous year.

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"Our books are impacting the broader literary landscape," said Ross Tangedal, Director and Publisher of Cornerstone Press. "This recognition is a testament to the outstanding writers we feature, along with the commitment of our staff and students to produce quality literature that matters. We are excited to receive this acknowledgment from the industry."

Cornerstone Press, noted for publishing short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, stands out as the sole university trade press within the University of Wisconsin System and one of just five undergraduate-staffed presses across the country.

Among the press's most celebrated publications was "The Continental Divide" by Bob Johnson, which was included in Literary Hub's list of 100 Notable Small Press Books for 2025 and was also longlisted for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize. The book received several accolades including an American Fiction Award and recognition from the Indiana Author Award, Society of Midland Authors Award, Storytrade Book Awards, and National Indie Excellence Award programs.

Another noteworthy title, "Close to a Flame" by Colleen Alles, earned a spot on the same notable list and gained recognition from the Midwest Book Awards and American Fiction Awards.

Additional award-recognized books from Cornerstone Press included:

- "The Plan of Chicago" by Barry Pearce: finalist for the Foreword INDIES Book Awards, William Saroyan International Prize, and others.

- "American Animism" by Jamey Gallagher: named a notable book and won an Eric Hoffer Book Award.

- "The Hopefuls" by Elizabeth Oness: won a National Indie Excellence Award.

- "Signs of the Imminent Apocalypse" by Heidi Bell: recipient of a Chicago Writers Association Book Award.

- "An Ignorance of Trees" by Jim Daniels: recognized by Michigan Notable Books.

- "Dining on Salt" by Wayne Lee: awarded North American Poetry Book of the Year.

- "No Trouble Staying Awake" by Teresa J. Scallon: finalist in the Foreword INDIES Book Awards.

- "Trust Issues" by K.P. Davis: winner of an International Impact Award.

- "tic tic tic" by Heidi Seaborn: recipient of a Nautilus Book Awards silver medal.

This news was reported by Nida Tazeen, with contributions from Artificial Intelligence. Journalists played a role in the review, editing, and publication process.