Learning. Leading. Acting. Responding to COVID-19, racial injustice and economic hardship.
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 Annual Award 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
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
Professor José presented Emily Zerrenner
with the 2019 Outstanding Student Award
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
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
Professor Huey presented a recognition award to the department's 2019 VenderBush Leadership Award Nominee, Maria McKee
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
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
Emily Zerrenner received recognition
for her 2019 Niemeyer nomination
from Professor José
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
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
Professor Mulally presented
Rachel Kornoelje with the
2019 Internship Award