English Open to Seniors

Poetry

THE ROLFE HUMPHRIES POETRY PRIZE is presented to that Senior who has achieved the greatest sense of poetic form in his/her undergraduate writing.

The award shall be made on the basis of three submissions to the English Department in the applicant's senior year, and may include writing produced during the undergraduate years.

Personal or Open Topic Essays

THE G. ARMOUR CRAIG AWARD FOR PROSE COMPOSITION is awarded to that Junior or Senior who writes the best autobiographical essay on an experience of intellectual discovery.

Nominated Senior Prizes

There are no entry rules for these prizes. The Department awards the following prizes to seniors nominated by members of the department.

THE ELIZABETH BRUSS PRIZE is presented to that Senior English major who in the judgment of the English Department best represents those qualities of breadth and imagination exemplified by Elizabeth Bruss.

THE STEPHEN E. WHICHER PRIZE, established in memory of Stephen E. Whicher, class of 1936, for the best essay by a senior in the interpretation of American literature. [Awarded by the Department of English in even-numbered years and the Department of American Studies in odd-numbered years.]

THE RALPH WALDO RICE PRIZE, established by Mrs. Mary Rice Jenkins in memory of her brother, Ralph Waldo Rice, of the class of 1910, is awarded for the best essay on “The Liberal College and Christian Citizenship” or any subject named by the Faculty. The prize is traditionally awarded by the English Department and is given to the author of the best thesis submitted to the department in candidacy for honors.

The two fellowships below carry different deadlines from the other prizes. More information on the Alpha Delta Phi Fund and the David P. Patchel Fund is available here. The deadlines for these applications are November 8^th and February 7^th.  

Research, Including Travel

*The terms of these prizes may vary due to the pandemic. Students will receive more information in the spring.

The Alpha Delta Phi Fund is designed to support senior essay writing, special topics, and other comparable independent projects. All seniors in the humanities and social sciences may apply, but first priority is reserved for English majors and others working in literary studies, creative writing, theater and dance, or film. Monies from the David P. Patchel Memorial Fund can be used for senior projects having to do with the moving image specifically, whether essays, theses, or production projects.

Awards are intended for seniors who are working on projects that are integral to their coursework or are part of independent study for credit that is supervised and evaluated by a faculty member.

Film and Media

Monies from the David P. Patchel Memorial Fund can be used for senior projects having to do with the moving image specifically, whether essays, theses, or production projects.

Awards are intended for seniors who are working on projects that are integral to their coursework or are part of independent study for credit that is supervised and evaluated by a faculty member.