Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University is excited to announce the winners of the joint essay competitions between Washburn University and Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.
The Paul Family Foundation sponsored the competitions, which were announced in early fall, and the essays were judged by faculty at the respective institutions. Students were challenged to identify current U.S. national economic and social trends, posit the most likely impact of these trends by 2025, hypothesize how these trends will impact the student’s professional careers and speculate how the student hopes to contribute to the future of those trends in the United States.
The top three essayists from Washburn University were:
First place: John Forrer, senior political science major from Topeka, Kansas, receiving a $10,000 scholarshipSecond place: Karrington Payne, sophomore in the School of Applied Studies from Sabetha, Kansas, receiving a $5,000 scholarship
Third place: Brooklyn Bloom, junior psychology major from Topeka, Kansas, receiving a $2,000 scholarship
Fourth through eighth place also received honorable mention:
- Jennifer Jackson, senior forensic anthropology major from Mayetta, Kansas- Alexander Crane, senior psychology major from St. Marys, Kansas
- Jacob Konarski, junior in the School of Business from Northglenn, Colorado
- Triston Hopkins, senior kinesiology major from Ozawkie, Kansas
- Trenese Loyd, senior health services administration major from Topeka, Kansas
“We were excited to see the level of enthusiasm and participation in our first year for the essay competition where students wrote about a multitude of topics including the Great Resignation, the future of social work and disparities in media coverage," said JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president for academic affairs. “Washburn University is thankful to the Paul Family Foundation for creating this opportunity for our students and for their generosity in awarding scholarships for the top essays.”
Clark University, which also released its winners today, has a similar history to Washburn. Both institutions began in the late 19th century and have had ties to Worcester, Massachusetts. The institutions’ earliest benefactors, Jonas Clark and Ichabod Washburn, were successful businessmen who recognized and valued the importance of education. Their financial generosity assured the universities could survive in a perilous time. From their founding, both institutions welcomed students regardless of racial, ethnic or religious background.
-30-
For more informationContact: Patrick M. Early, APR
(785) 670-1711
