STAFF REPORTS
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Liberal Arts honored student achievement in writing with the presentation of more than a dozen writing awards.
Faculty committees in each department within the College of Liberal Arts selected student awardees from a variety of disciplines whose work embodies the ideals and standards of excellence, creative endeavor and scholarship.
The awards include the Henry and Mary Kearse Writing Award, created in 1980 thanks to a donation from Henry J. Kearse, founder and president of the construction firm H.J. Kearse Inc., and his wife, Mary, a longtime member of RIT’s Nathaniel Rochester Society.
Winners included:
Catherine Osadciw of Webster (14580), a third-year software engineering major, representing the Department of Public Policy, with “Policy History, Analysis, and Evaluation of Roe v. Wade.”
Courtney Popielarz of Rochester (14612), a fourth-year computer engineering major, whose essay, “A Girl’s Journey Through STEM,” earned her second place for the Stanley McKenzie Endowed Writing Prize for first-year students, funded by and named for RIT’s former provost and member of the English department.
“The winners of these awards are exceptional student writers, nurtured and guided by exceptional faculty,” said James Winebrake, dean of RIT’s College of Liberal Arts. “One of our primary goals in the college is to help students refine their writing skills. These awards recognize students who have achieved excellence in this area.”
Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
