Writing Student Awards
Each year, the Department of Writing is fortunate to nominate and/or award top students deserving of recognition for their work both inside the classroom and with extracurricular endeavors. The awards are presented to recipients during the Department of Writing's Senior Celebration Ceremony held each year on the last Friday in April.
Writing Major Outstanding Student Award
The Writing Department’s Outstanding Student Award goes to a graduating major who has demonstrated outstanding skills and potential as a writer, who has shown excellent engagement in all their writing classes, and who has participated in the extracurricular writing community. The Outstanding Student should have a GPA in the major of at least 3.7 and an overall GPA of at least 3.25.
Past Award Winners
2022: Jessica Barnard
2021: Amanda Pszczolkowski
Hannah Kelly
2020: Annie Cunningham
2019: Emily Zerrenner
2018: Annie Livingston
2017: Sarah Smith
2016: Jackie Vega
2015: Rose White
2014: Nikki Fisher
2013: Matthew Russell
2012: Megan Smith
2011: Allison Oosta
2010: Carrie Smith
2009: Katie Booms
2008: Lindsey Drager
2007: Breanne LeJeune
2006: Jacob Powers
2005: T. Fleischmann
2004: Amber Eby
2003: Joshua Courtade
2002: Jodi Deur/Jill Haller
The Department's 2021 Outstanding Writing
Majors: Amanda Pszczolkowski and Hannah Kelly
Kenneth R. Venderbush Leadership Award
The University-wide Venderbush Award recognizes one senior who has demonstrated an exceptional blend of academic achievement and leadership efficacy while making significant contributions to the campus community.
Past Dept Award Nominees
2022: Chiara Nicholas
2021: Hannah Kelly
2020: Oliva Baker
2019: Maria McKee
2018: Kathryn Davis
2017: Sarah Cauzillo
2016: Marcee Wardell
2015: Ariel Mokdad
2014: Amy Hinman
2013: Sara Warren
2012: Lynn Dimick
2011: ***
2010: Janelle Wing
2009: ***
2008: Meahgan Pear
2007: Margaret Porter
2006: Morgan Sherburne
2005: ***
2004: Michelle LaPointe
2003: Katherine VanLoo
The Writing Department's 2021
Venderbush nominee: Hannah Kelly
Glenn A. Niemeyer Award
Students selected for the Niemeyer Awards are well-rounded individuals with demonstrated excellence in both the classroom and extra-curricular activities. Recipients excel in the classroom and demonstrate a joy of learning as part of a community of scholars. Along with intellectual achievements, recipients participate in activities outside the classroom that serve to enrich their lives and the lives of others.
Past Dept Award Nominees
2022: Sarah Krishef
2021: Dawson Heath
2020: Brooke Fugate
2019: Emily Zerrenner
2018: Daniel Goubert
2017: Anna Bouwkamp
2016: Paige Dhyne
2015: Grayson DeYoung
2014: Marie Orttenburger
2013: Jessie Miller
2012: Krista Pepelko
2011: Allison Oosta
2010: Susan Creager
2009: Katie Booms
2008: David LeGault
2007: ***
2006: Megan Ward
2005: ***
2004: Leah Omilion
The Writing Department's 2021
Niemeyer nominee: Dawson Heath
Thomas M. Seykora Award
The Seykora Award recognizes seniors who, through their involvement, have made significant contributions to the GVSU campus community.
Click here for more information about this award.
Past Award Nominees
2022: Nicole Hinman
2021: Hannah Kelly
Internship Award
The Internship Award recognizes students for achieving outstanding success in an internship by demonstrating a commitment to learning and professional development in the successful completion of a Writing internship experience.
Past Award Winners
2022: Megan Logan
2021: Hannah Terry
2020: ***
2019: Rachel Kornoelje
2018: Emily Zerrenner
2017: Danielle Clark
2016: Jennifer Polasek
2015: Alyssa Adamovich
2014: Ariel Mokdad
2013: Jessie Miller
Erin Quackenbush
2012: Devin Beck
2011: Madeleine Hart
Brittney Schering
Kiera Wilson
2010: Elizabeth Uhl
The 2021 Internship Awardee:
Hannah Terry