Ponder is proudly student-created, combining fresh perspectives and bold ideas with professional-level quality. We specialize in leveraging print, digital, and social platforms to craft creative campaigns that engage readers and deliver impactful results.
As a hub for emerging talent, we bring a unique edge: forward-thinking solutions shaped by the next generation of creatives. By partnering with us, you’ll connect with a vibrant and engaged community that values creativity, arts, and culture.
We invite you to explore the advertising solutions we offer and join us on this exciting journey.
About Ponder
Ponder Magazine was founded in the fall of 2023 by Dr. Justin Bergh, who envisioned a student-led publication that would offer something bold and thoughtful, telling the stories that need to be told from around our region. Alongside professors Skott Chandler and Allen Morris, he assembled a dedicated team of student designers, writers, and journalists ready to take on this ambitious endeavour.
Since that first release, Ponder has gone on to receive the Best of Show award and Goldy ADDYS® at the American Advertising Awards at the local, district, and national level. Our second issue was awarded as the Best Magazine in the Nation at the David L. Adams Apple Awards for its excellence in student publishing, ranking Ponder first place against other Division 2 universitities across the United States. These honors are a reflection of the dedication, collaboration, and craft poured into each issue by our ever-evolving student team.
Our mission is showcasing people in this region who are dedicated to an art, a craft, or a pursuit that makes them stand out in their field. We also focus on businesses or organizations that make a significant cultural impact in the region or their local communities.
Our editorial process
At the start of each issue, our team gathers to brainstorm the vision and goals for the stories we feature. Through collaborative discussions, we identify overarching themes, plan compelling narratives, and assign roles to bring these ideas to life. Our journalists and photographers venture across the region to conduct in-depth interviews and capture stunning visuals, while our artists and designers channel their creativity creating layouts that align with our brand vision. This dynamic process results in a cohesive publication that not only resonates with our audience but also provides valuable, hands-on experience for students at Black Hills State University.
As the only magazine of its kind in South Dakota, Ponder gives students the chance to create meaningful work with real impact, gaining skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Since launching in Spring 2024, Ponder has emerged as one of the most decorated student publications in the country. The magazine has earned national honors from the American Advertising Federation and the College Media Association for its design, storytelling, and visual impact.
Awards and Honors
2025 College Media Association – David L. Adams Apple Awards
• First Place, Best Magazine – Ponder Issue 2
• Second Place, Best Feature Photography – Ponder Issue 2
2025 American Advertising Awards – AAF Black Hills
• Best of Show – Ponder Issue 2
• Gold ADDY – Ponder Issue 1
• Gold ADDY – Ponder Issue 2
• Gold ADDY – Launch Party Invite
• Gold ADDY – “We’re Not Robots”
2025 American Advertising Awards – District 8
• Gold ADDY – Ponder Issue 2
• Advanced to National Competition – National ADDY Award recipient
2025 Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association – Golden Leaf Awards
• First Place, Best Feature Story – Alec Butterfield, “Chasing Distance”
• Second Place, Best Feature Story – Nathan Feller, “Student of Fire”
2025 BHSU Student Volunteer Awards
• Board of Regents Award for Academic Excellence
• Outstanding New Student Organization
FAQ
Who produces Ponder?
Ponder is a product of the Black Hills State University students within the Communications Departments.
How large is the magazine?
Each magazine is 100 pages and printed 8.375 by 10 .875 inches.
How many are printed?
2,000
Is it available online?
Yes, Ponder is available online and has a large following all through out the United States.
Where is Ponder distributed?
See the map on the left. We now offer Ponder in 60+ locations across the Midwest.
Use our Location Finder.
Where
does your money go?
Since Ponder is free of charge, ad revenue finances travel for content in the magazine and production costs for students to continue creating this publication.
How often is Ponder released? Ponder is released once every semester.
Ad Specs
Two Page Spread Full Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page
SIZINg
2-Page Spread
16.75 x 10.875 in
Full Page
8.375 x 10.875 in
Half Page
7.875 x 5.0675 in
Quarter Page
3.8125 x 5.0675 in
Due Dates
Final AD design due one month prior to publication release.
Spring 2025
Due April 4, 2025
Fall 2025
Due November 3, 2025
Crops & Bleeds
Two-page and full page ads with bleeds should be built to size using the specs to the left with an addition of a .125” bleed on all sides.
Creative extending in to the bleed area will be lost in the final trimming process.
There is a .5 safety margin from the end of the page. 1/2 & 1/4 page ads are placed inside this margin.
CREATIVE SERVICES
We offer ad creation upon request at no additional charge, which includes one round of proof editing. To get started, please provide PNG or vector files of your company logo, high-resolution images for ad artwork, and any relevant information, including contact details and taglines.
If you would like to repurpose an ad designed by Ponder for other marketing efforts, we can resize the artwork for $75 per ad.
Professional marketing shoots are available for $400 for the first hour and $75 for each additional hour.
SUBMISSION REQUIRMENTS
Email print ready files to Ponder@BHSU.edu
High resolution PDF (image resolution 300 DPI minimum). Please us CMYK color mode and embed fonts and artwork.
