It’s time for the Jonathan Orr Essay contest presented by Eastern University’s Friends of the Library!

This annual contest recognizes Eastern U. undergraduate student essays that demonstrate excellence in communicating how books have influenced the opinion of the student concerning significant questions of the day. Our essay question for this year is-

“In his World War II era book, Poetry as a Means of Grace (1941), Charles Osgood suggested that each generation must find a literary mentor to aid us on our spiritual journey in life. For Osgood, the authors he chose were traditional literary writers–Dante, Spenser, Milton, and Dr. Samuel Johnson.  Many more authors than these gain our attention as guides to life. Choose an author who has meant something special to you as guide and mentor to life.”

FIRST PLACE: $500
SECOND PLACE: $350
THIRD PLACE: $150

The essay guidelines are:

1. We will be looking for well-crafted essays that use correct spelling and good grammar.
2. Essay length must be at least 400 words and must not exceed 700 words.
3. Essays must be the original work of the applicant. Plagiarism in any form will result in disqualification. Please cite any and all resources.

Please electronically submit your essay to Andrea Reed at areed@eastern.edu.

DEADLINE: MARCH 23rd

Winners will be notified by April 6th and the awards will be given out at the Friends of the Library Annual Dinner, held on April 13th.

To read past Orr Essay winners, visit http://bit.ly/2011EssayWinners.