Congratulations!

Thank you to the students, faculty, staff, donors, families, and friends who made the 35th Annual English Department Awards Reception a memorable celebration!

Held on Monday, April 20, 2026, the reception gave students the opportunity to be personally recognized by faculty as they accepted competitive scholarships and awards honoring academic excellence, community engagement, creative artistry, and literary and professional writing.

Julia Schleck, Chair of English, shared her gratitude for the many people whose efforts made the event both joyful and meaningful.

“Our Scholarship Committee deserves our hearty thanks for their careful work. Thank you, Tatiana Nekrasova‑Beker, Maurice Irvin, and Debra Walker, for your care, attention, and time. Thank you as well to Tom Conway for helping polish our ceremony and enhance its impact. And a very special thank you to Sheila Dargon, who makes this event her own and dedicates herself every year to making it beautiful and celebratory.

To our many wonderful donors who make these scholarships possible, we hope you feel the joy your generosity gives to all who love and practice the disciplines and arts of English.”

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A Digital Celebration of Student Success

To continue the celebration, view the complete list of recipients on our newly published 2026 Department Awards webpage. This digital showcase serves as a virtual stage for applauding our students’ achievements and honors.

Congratulations again to all of our award recipients!