Grand Valley State University Graduation: 2021
Bachelors in Writing
The distinction in writing is an honorary award for writing completed outside of the regular curriculum in a variety of experiences. It is completed entirely at the student’s initiative over their time in the writing program.
I also received an award from my Writing advisor, Jerry Stinnett in recognition of my work within the program. He was the faculty member who oversaw my completion of the distinction in writing as well as my professor for the writing capstone. This award was recognized at the Writing Department’s Senior Celebration in April via zoom.
Bachelors in English: Language & Literature
In order to complete a major in the Language and Literature emphasis a capstone thesis and presentation are required to graduate. I built upon my previous scholarly work and examined the use of Expressive Response in the Postmodern Fairy Tale Briar Rose by Jane Yolen. This thesis presentation was later presented at the Michigan College English Association’s 2020 conference.
Distinction in Writing
As I put together my portfolio for the distinction in writing I gained a better picture of how actively involved I had been at GVSU, both on-campus, and off-campus as a representative of the school.
There are five areas of writing that are incorporated into the distinction, four of which each student applying must cover. With so much of my extracurricular activities consisting of scholarly research and writing I found myself with several options for each category, narrowing them down to the ones that were the most impactful during my time at GVSU.
Creative Scholar Designation
I also received the Undergraduate Research Scholar designation on my diploma for my work within the Office of Undergraduate Research, where I also served as a student ambassador.
The transcript designation recognizes undergraduate student excellence. To qualify, students participate in multiple mentored scholarship opportunities as well as on- and off- campus dissemination of their research.
