Hopwoods honor student writers

Prose and poetry have the power to uplift, enlighten and humor. In reward for their talented efforts in the delicate craft of writing, University students were honored yesterday with awards before a crowd of approximately 300 people at Rackham auditorium.

"I think the awards encourage people to write further," said LSA junior Joe Fletcher, recipient of a $125 Michael R. Gutterman Award in Poetry. "If nothing else, these awards serve as a way to get feedback from other people."

Of the close to 20 awards handed out, many were 1998 Hopwood Underclassmen Awards, given to students who submitted original works for consideration. Honors are presented in both poetry and fiction. All award recipients received prize money, ranging

PAUL TALANIAN/Daily Engineering sophomore Regina Barnes receives a Hopwood Award presented to her by English Prof. Nicholas Delbanco yesterday.

from $50 to $500.

"The Hopwood Awards, which are now nearly 70 years old, have, I believe, fulfilled their original mandate: the support of young talent," said English Prof. Nicholas Delbanco, who presented the awards. "It's not merely the money; it's also the idea of promise rewarded and an on-going life in the arts."

Award recipients and other spectators were treated to several readings by noted author Grace Paley. Blending humor and trenchant observations, Paley drew many laughs from the audience as she read four of her short stories.

now nearly 70 years old, have, I believe, fulfilled their original mandate: the support of young talent," said English Prof. Nicholas Delbanco, who presented the awards. "It's not merely the money; it's also the idea of promise rewarded and an on-going life in the arts."

Award recipients and other spectators were treated to several readings by noted author Grace Paley. Blending humor and trenchant observations, Paley elicited laughter from the audience when she read four of her short stories.

"I love doing a reading like this," Paley said. "What's great is how many awards are being given out."

Many students said choosing a writing career means earning a precarious living. The Hopwood awards serve to hearten and calm the qualms of future writers.

"Since I want to be a writer, these awards are a good encouragement," said LSA sophomore Joelle Renstrom, recipient of a $450 Hopwood Underclassmen Poetry Award. "Winning this makes it easier because I know it's going to be more difficult from now on. I want to be a creative writer, which probably means I'll be a waitress."

Engineering sophomore Regina Barnes, a Hopwood Underclassmen Fiction Award recipient, said the award validates her choice to transfer out of the College of Engineering.

"I love to write. I was kind of unsure about quitting Engineering," Barnes said. "Winning this award is a good signal that I made the right decision."

Regina's mother, Gail Davis Barnes, said she appreciates the significance of the award her daughter received.

"I'm just really proud of her. This award solidifies her decision to switch from Engineering to English. This is a really meaningful ceremony," said the elder Barnes.

The parents of LSA sophomore Matthew Drake, winner of a $350 Hopwood Underclassmen Poetry Award, said they were equally impressed with their child's achievement.

"We're so proud of Matt," said University alumnus David Drake, Matthew's father. "From his experience, I know these awards are very encouraging. Writing is quite a passion. I think it represents a lot more work than people realize."

Regardless of the monetary rewards, award recipients said they intend to continue writing prolifically.

"I'm just absolutely thrilled," Matthew Drake said. "It really helps when you're an artist to have a means to persist. I'm hoping to write throughout my life."

01-28-98