Alpha Delta Phi (ADPhi) Literary Competition awards were presented recently at a reception in the fraternity's chapter house. Winners were announced by Price Williams '07 chapter president.
Three of the five winners were present to accept their awards, which totaled $1,350. The funding was donated by the chapter's alumni association.
The judges for this year's competition were professors April R. Selley and Nathan P. Wallace of the English Department, and Gary L. Dryfoos (Union '77) a chapter trustee and technical writer.
The five winning works received a total of seven awards in the categories of poetry, short story, and chapter from a novel. A grand prize of $500 was awarded to the best entry overall.
“The quality of this year's entries was impressive,” said Dryfoos. “The students chose unusual topics and settings, and displayed sureness and a real grasp of writing craft. I hope they'll keep at it.”
The Union College Chapter of Alpha Delta Phi was established in 1859. Since its founding as a literary society at Hamilton College in 1832, the fraternity has maintained a tradition of encouraging interest and accomplishment in literature by its own members.
The literary competition, which is open to all Union students, was started 10 years ago. As of this year, the chapter's alumni members have committed to sponsoring the contest as an annual campus event. “Good writing is so important to education, and to so many kinds of work,” said Dryfoos. “ADPhi wants to help students see writing in new ways, and to take pride and enjoyment in their writing skills.”
Here is a list of this year's winners:
GRAND PRIZE: $500 – Max Clarke '09
POETRY:
First Prize: $200 – Michael Montesano '08
Second Prize: $100 – Stephanie Spano '07
Third Prize: $50 – Scott Alfano ‘08
SHORT STORIES:
First Prize: $200 – Kristen Puliafico '07
Second Prize: $100 – Scott Alfano '08
NOVEL/SERIAL CHAPTERS:
First Prize: $200 – Stephanie Spano '07
The winning entries will be posted online at http://web.mit.edu/dryfoo/ADP/litcomp06.