Essay Contests Established

A nonfiction essay contest and literary award, “The Lois and Willard Cohodas Prize,” has been established through an endowment at NMU. Essays should focus on one or more of these societal issues: enhancing religious, racial and cultural understanding, harmony and respect; eliminating hatred and racism; or promoting holocaust awareness. The contest is open to all undergraduate students. Cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 will be awarded to the top three winners. Submissions of 1,500-2,500 words should be sent to the English department by the March 1 deadline.

The “One Book, One Community” program is also sponsoring an essay contest for two age categories: adults and students in grades 7-12. The essay should define “The New American Dream.” Three winning essays from each age group will receive prizes. First place is a gift certificate to Snowbound Books; second place is Mexican food; and third place is Latin music. The winners will also be published in the January 2007 edition of Marquette Monthly. All entries are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and should be submitted to Snowbound Books. Adults should submit 1,000-1,500 words; students should submit 500-1,000 words.

The “One Book, One Community” program encourages the Marquette County and NMU communities to read the same book and to come together to discuss it at a variety of events. The selection this year is T.C. Boyle’s The Tortilla Curtain, which examines the social and political aspects of illegal immigration.