Andrew Smith writing entries sought

Entries are being accepted for the annual Andrew P. Smith Writing Award.

The Association of English Graduate Instructors and Students manages the award - now in its ninth year. The award celebrates the life of Andy Smith, a former graduate student in the English department. Smith earned his master of fine arts degree at SIUC in 1996, and he was pursuing his doctoral degree at Stanford University in 1997 when he passed away. Smith's friends, Steve and Jayme Long, started the award in 1998.

The award is designed to honor Smith's life and also encourage excellence in writing beyond the classroom, said Abigail D. Waldron, a teaching assistant in English.

The topic of this year's essay is "Writing to Heal/Writing to Harm." Full-time undergraduate and graduate students from all majors are eligible to submit essays, with the winner in each category receiving $200. The entry deadline is 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 8.

Judging is by volunteer faculty members. Essays should not exceed six pages, and should be addressed to a diverse faculty audience.

Do not include any identifying information on the essay, but attach a cover sheet with your name, address and telephone number.

Essays should be sent to Waldron in the English department, or dropped off at the English department, Faner Hall, Room 2380.

Interested applicants should contact Waldron for more information. Competitors will be contacted individually in early April regarding the status of their essay. Winners will be announced at the English Department's Awards Day later that month.