Students will have the chance to win $1,000 by stating what they think Bradley’s biggest problem is.
They could win the money by entering a writing competition to win the Robert DeGise Writing Award.
Submissions should identify a problem or need at the university and propose a working plan that will fix it. The submissions can address any topic from academics, student life, campus safety, athletics, business operations or any other area related to Bradley.
“We’re hoping there will be good ideas that will make a difference at Bradley,” said Robert Prescott, the chairperson of the English department.
Prescott said even if a student’s piece does not win, the decision to implement it could still be considered.
“Regardless of whether they win, if it is a really good idea we’ll make sure they get to whatever department it needs to go to,” he said.
The proposals should be no longer than 10 pages, singled space and should include the definition of the problem or need, a discussion of the problem, the proposed solution and a discussion of how feasible the plan is.
Professor DeGise, a member of the professional writing faculty, established this endowment in 1996.
Prescott said the competition was originally intended for students in the business or technical writing class.
“I think [DeGise] wanted to present an incentive to students working in business writing,” he said. “He wanted to encourage them to write seriously and have good ideas of how to make Bradley a better place.”
Now that the competition has been opened up to the entire campus Prescott said he thinks there will be more applicants.
“We typically receive around 25 to 50 applicants,” he said. “We’re expecting more since it’s open to all majors and the prize has gone from $500 to $1,000.”
But Prescott said he hopes students will take home more than just the cash prize.
“I believe very firmly the thing students should know is how to write well,” he said. “We write with a purpose. Writing is a noble pursuit and it will help your profession no matter what you do.”
Submissions are due to Bradley Hall 380 by April 9. The winner will be announced May 3.
