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The Ray Todd Barker Memorial Prize

Friends and University of Akron Alumni are supporting this annual grant in memory of Ray Barker, a former ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ´«Ã½student in the Department of English. Ray passed away in the autumn of 2024, leaving behind many friends and family members who are deeply saddened by the loss of this bright and creative individual. Ray had many interests in literature, art and music. He worked as an archivist in the Washington DC area.  All who knew him appreciated his enthusiasm, kindness and dedication to the people and things he loved.

Prize

$200 

Who can enter:

  • All ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ´«Ã½graduate students in English
  • All ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ´«Ã½undergraduate students in English

Submission Guidelines:

  • Enter one short personal essay, 300-500 words. Subject matter: how experiences outside the classroom helped to determine your academic/career pursuit (travel, volunteering, family life, etc.)
  • The submitted work should appear without any identifying information; in other words, the writer’s name and address should NOT appear on the same pages as the essay.
  • On a separate page, include the writer’s name, level (grad or undergrad), mailing address, email address, and student ID number.
  • No manuscripts will be returned. The winners will be announced by the Department of English.
  • Save the title of your document in “LAST NAME-Award Title” format (for example, SMITH-Ray Barker Prize).
  • Upload your document in PDF form.
  • Submission must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, March 10th, 2025.
    Submit your essay using the Microsoft Form