Cal Poly English Department Names 2016 American Scholar Prize Winner

Cal Poly English junior Jacquelyn Morris was named the 2016 American Scholar Prize winner for her literary essay. She will receive her award and $500 at the English Department commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 12.

The American Scholar Prize is awarded annually. It was created by Linda Halisky, former English Department chair and College of Liberal Arts dean, to recognize a Cal Poly English major who exhibits a passion for literature and language.

Morris’ winning short essay demonstrated to the selection committee that she understands the timelessness of literature and its ability to help understand the human condition.

“The voices of authors and characters whisper further than the page,” Morris wrote. “The empathy that literature teaches me guides me in my real life by enhancing my ability to understand perspectives that differ from my own.”

For more information, contact the English Department at english@calpoly.edu or 805-756-2596.