"We will be most happy if you will remember this publication as the love-child of a holy union between rebellion and creativity" (Afterword). The First Edition contains short stories and poems written by the students of Illinois Wesleyan University.

Tributaries is the creative arts journal of IWU that publishes a book of student poetry, short fiction, art, photography, and music every semester. "Tributaries is Illinois Wesleyan University's journal of fine arts, celebrating the strongest and most original work being created by IWU students" (v.4:no.2)