2014 David C. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Recipients
The English Department’s Creative Writing Program is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2014 David C. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship in creative writing.
Recipients of the $3,000 scholarships are Kendall Berents for creative nonfiction, Molly Greer for a collection of poems, and Marla Jones for fiction. There were 32 submissions in total, and the judges were Creative Writing Professors Brian Castleberry, Henry Hart, Chelsey Johnson, Hermine Pinson, Emily Pease, and Nancy Schoenberger. Now in its second year, the scholarships are available to seniors and rising seniors at William & Mary who have taken at least two upper level Creative Writing classes.
In response to news of their awards, the three recipients offered the following statements:
Kendall Berents, winner in creative nonfiction, wrote, “It is such an honor to receive an award that recognizes the creative aspects of my academic experience….I'm reminded that writing is the work that fuels me day in and day out. I read so that I can write…It's been such a privilege to meet professors in the Creative Writing department who recognize my need to write and encourage me to view it as a necessity, not a privilege.”
From Marla Jones, winner in fiction: “When I saw the announcement for the David C. Jenkins Memorial Scholarships, I researched to find out who David C. Jenkins was, and I found that he was a professor who exemplified the exact same unselfish dedication to recognizing and developing talent that continues in the program today… he continues to give through his endowment…I am honored to accept the David C. Jenkins Scholarship in fiction not just as an encouragement to write, but as a gesture that weaves me deeper into the fabric of William and Mary.”
And from Molly Greer, recipient in poetry: “We're truly fortunate at William & Mary to have such a supportive and encouraging Creating Writing program. My poetry has improved immensely due to my exposure to talented writers at The College, either through the Patrick Hayes Writers Series or simply my writing courses, and I hope that I will continue to meet people who see and write the world differently than I do after graduation.”
The scholarships are available thanks to a bequest to the English Department by the late David Jenkins, a beloved professor at William & Mary who taught the first Creative Writing courses in the department. For further information, please contact Prof. Schoenberger or Prof. John Conlee.
