In 1938, Marianne Clarke graduated from Doane University and went on to have a successful career in journalism as a writer and editor. Her legacy is honored through two upcoming writing contests: the Marianne Clarke Writing Excellence At-Large Contest and the Writing Excellence First-Year Contest.
The Marianne Clarke Writing Excellence First-Year Contest recognizes outstanding writing among first-year students. Participants will be required to write an essay in response to a prompt during a timed session, which will take place on April 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Library Classroom. To participate, interested students must email English professor Brad Johnson with their full name and the last four digits of their Student ID by April 7. Questions and requests for further information can also be directed to Professor Johnson at brad.johnson@doane.edu.
The At-Large contest is open to all full-time students on the Crete campus. According to The New Xanadu, “The contest invites student writers from any discipline or major to submit their best prose.” Works submitted to this contest must have been written for Doane courses and can include research reports, nonfiction essays or short stories. Professors may also submit students’ work, provided they have received permission from the student.
The deadline for submission was March 31; however, those who missed it can prepare for next year. Previously submitted work that did not win may be resubmitted and revised.
The At-Large contest offers two annual awards, each totaling $1,000, while the First-Year contest awards a total of $1,000. Faculty and members of The New Xanadu help oversee these competitions.
Contests like these honor Doane graduates while providing opportunities for students to express themselves and receive recognition for their exemplary work.
