Arrington Writing Awards Open to Utah College Students

Leonard J. Arrington was a noted educator, writer and scholar. A lecture in his name is presented annually in Logan, and a writing competition for college-age students encourages a continuation of Arrington’s scholastic tradition and legacy. Attractive cash awards totaling $1,750 are presented to the top three students who submit essays, with a first place award of $1,000 and $500 and $250 going to second and third places. A panel of judges evaluates all entries.

College students throughout the region are encouraged to participate in the 2014 Leonard J. Arrington Writing Awards, an associated activity of the Leonard J. Arrington Mormon History Lecture. The lecture, presented Oct. 2, features historian and retired educator Ronald W. Walker. The title of his presentation is “Heroes and Hero Worship: Brigham Young and the Utah War.” The free lecture begins at 7 p.m. at the Logan LDS Tabernacle, 50. N. Main, Logan.

For the writing competition, students must complete an essay after attending the lecture where official entry forms are available. The essay submission should include notes from the lecture. Students should write a 2,500-word essay related to the lecture, including a one-page lecture synopsis. A minimum of two outside research sources, including books, articles, newspapers and primary documents must be included in a bibliography (not part of the 2,500 words). The essay topic should relate to the lecture topic but can expand or create new connections. The writing style can be expository, persuasive or reflective, but not fiction. Submission deadline is 5 p.m., December 5, 2014.

The writing contest and lecture are sponsored by Utah State University’s Special Collections and Archives Division, University Libraries; the Leonard J. Arrington Lecture and Archives Foundation; the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Utah State University.

Prizes for the writing contest may not be awarded if no submissions are deemed worthy. Detailed requirements will be included in the entry form provided at the lecture. Judging is conducted by a combination of USU faculty, staff and Leonard J. Arrington Foundation board members. Winning essays will be selected early in spring semester 2014 and announced at the annual Friends of the Merrill-Cazier Library spring lecture (late February or early March 2015).

Additionally, winning essays will be posted on University Libraries’ Digital Commons at USU.

Entries can be submitted in person to Special Collections and Archives, Room 035, Merrill-Cazier Library, or mail to: Special Collections & Archives, 3000 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-3000.

Call Special Collections and Archives with questions, (435) 797-2663.

USU Special Collections and Archives

Contact: Brad Cole, (435) 797-8268, brad.cole@usu.edu

Writer: Patrick Williams, (435) 797-1354, patrick.williams@usu.edu