Awards for English Majors

Videos of previous English Nights: English Major Awards and Presentations

Each year the Department of English sponsors a number of awards and scholarships, and also honors its majors by holding readings of students' creative or scholarly work. 

Awards for English Majors
These are usually awarded to graduating seniors and include:

• Award for Service to the Department for a student who has helped with departmental projects, coordinated events, or organized student clubs that have connection with English studies
• Award for Lifelong Learning for a returning or continuing student who has shown a steady love of literature, writing, and the pursuit of knowledge.
• Award for Contributions to the Cultural Life of the Campus for a student who has been actively involved as writer or editor in literary publications, theater, or other literary and artistic events on campus.
• Award for Excellence in Teaching or Tutoring for a student who has excelled in Teaching Internships, the Writing Associates program, or other teaching experiences
• Award for an Outstanding Future Educator for a student who has achieved academic excellence while completing a double major in English and Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education in order to prepare for a career in teaching
• Award for Academic Excellence for a student who has demonstrated superior ability in and dedication to English studies
• Dr. Celia Catlett Prize in English The $500 prize will be awarded annually to the best Capstone project by a senior English major, whether he/she graduates in the Spring or mid-year, via a nomination process.  If the Capstone project program is discontinued, the prize will go to the best essay by a senior English major.
• Constance Campo Memorial Scholarship
  This scholarship was established in memory of Constance Campo, who was a longtime member of the English Department staff. This scholarship is for a non-traditional student who has demonstrated excellence in his or her studies. This scholarship is awarded to someone who has shown sensitivity to gender and diversity issues as did Ms. Campo.
• Alexander "Sandy" Taylor Memorial Endowed Scholarship
  The Alexander “Sandy” Taylor Memorial Endowed Scholarship was launched by family, colleagues and friends of Sandy Taylor--a scholar, Eastern professor and publisher, following his death in 2007. The scholarship was endowed in 2015. The recipient will be an English major, and preference will be given to students who demonstrate a commitment to peace and the rights of mankind and to those who show an interest in poetry.
• David and Janet Philips Endowed Scholarship
  The David and Janet Philips Endowed Scholarship was established in 1990 by Donald Philips in honor of his parents and their commitment and longstanding association with Eastern. David Philips taught in the English Department at Eastern for 28 years. He was well known for his storytelling and published Legendary Connecticut, a collection of folklore. He volunteered in many capacities in the Windham community. Janet Philips is remembered as a quiet leader. She worked in the Windham Town Hall for many years. She also volunteered her time and talents to numerous local organizations. The scholarship is awarded to an excellent student who is either an English major or a Theater major, with preference for a student who is majoring in both or heavily involved in both areas. 
• Emergent Scholar in English Studies Grant
  This grant was established by Dean Carmen Cid prior to her retirement in 2021 to support promising student scholars in their pursuit of English studies. This grant is intended to support writers who are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islanders, multi-racial, and/or other students of color. Students with moderate to high need will be given preference. Students who self-identify in these categories are also encouraged to apply: students who are LGBTQ; students who are gender nonconforming; students with disabilities; students who are bi- or multilingual; and students who have lived outside of the United States.