Student Involvement

Davidson offers students multiple opportunities to write and edit for student publications, to win department awards, and to enter scholarly writing competitions.

Publications

English majors traditionally have found Libertas, Hobart Park, and Exit 30 to be good outlets for creative expression, though there are years when these journals are not edited by English majors or have English faculty as advisers. 

Freeword Poetry Group: The purpose of Freeword Poetry Group is to provide a venue for spoken word poetry. Each semester, Freeword presents a show and donates the proceeds to charity.

Exit 30 Literary Magazine: Exit 30 seeks to provide Davidson students (from all majors) with the opportunity to be published in a literary magazine that offers a higher quality of work in a smaller volume, making is more accessible to our busy campus and inspiring insightful discussion.

Hobart Park: Hobart Park is the college's annual literary review. It features works of poetry, fiction and nonfiction, as well as visual art, by students, alumni, faculty members, and visiting writers.

Libertas: Published biweekly, the student-produced arts and literary magazine accepts submissions in creative nonfiction, short stories, poetry, and art.

The Davidsonian: The college's weekly newspaper is written, edited and managed by students. It features campus news and opinions.

Awards

Among the Davidson student awards given annually, several recognize students for excellence in English and writing. 

Henry T. Lilly Award for Excellence in English: Given annually to the senior English major with the highest GPA in the largest number of major courses by December of the senior year. The award was established in 1993 and is given in memory of Henry T. Lilly '18, Professor of English from 1926-66.

Gibson Prize for Scholarly Writing: Awarded to the best scholarly essay written in any discipline by a sophomore, junior, or senior. The prize celebrates eminent medievalist and award-winning Professor of English Gail Gibson. It recognizes the kinds of writing that Professor Gibson loves and that she produces—curious, rigorous, and witty, brimming with a sense of discovery.

Vereen Bell Memorial Award: Given annually to a member of the senior, junior, or sophomore class for best creative writing work in fiction, poetry, or drama. The award is given in memory of Vereen Bell '32, a promising and successful young novelist and short-story writer who gave his life for his country during World War II.

The Keiser Prize in English: Established in 2000 by Albert Keiser, Jr. '66 in honor of his father, Professor Albert Keiser, Ph.D. It recognizes superior contributions by one Davidson student each year to the performance of classical English literature.

Charles E. Lloyd Award: Given to a member of the sophomore, junior, or senior class for excellence in the field of nonfiction. Essays submitted for the award may include both formal, scholarly essays and personal essays. The award is given in memory of Professor Charles E. Lloyd, professor of English at Davidson from 1956-80.

R. Windley Hall Award: Presented to the member of the first-year class who submits the best piece of fiction, poetry, or nonfiction prose. His family and friends give the award in memory of R. Windley Hall, a member of the Class of 1963.