Master of Arts in Writing Awards & Scholarships

The Master of Arts in Writing program is proud to honor our talented students through three annual awards and two annual scholarships. Students are also invited to submit their creative work to the Denise Gess Literary Awards, an annual contest run by the Writing Arts department which is open to all Rowan University students.

Please join us in congratulating our 2024-2025 award and scholarship recipients.

Jennifer Lendvai-Lintner

Antoinette Libro Graduate Medallion

The Antoinette Libro Graduate Medallion is awarded to a Master of Arts in Writing student who has demonstrated outstanding course performance, exceptional writing ability, and strong professionalism. This award is sponsored by Dr. Antoinette Libro, former dean of the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts.

Frank Penick

Joe McGee Second Act Award

The Joe McGee Second Act Award is given to a Master of Arts in Writing student with exceptional writing ability who is pursuing writing as a "second act" in their life after studying and/or working in another field. This award is named in honor of MA in Writing alum Joe McGee ('12).

Tiers Congdon

The Master of Arts in Writing Community Award

The Master of Arts in Writing Community Award is awarded to a student who has made a significant impact on cultivating a positive and inclusive environment among fellow students both inside and outside the classroom. This award was established by the program’s faculty in 2025.

Amber Taylor, Amani Trower, and Ellie Wash

Myra Schiffman-Bunya Sadler Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship awarded to students enrolled in the MA in Writing Program when entering their work into writing contests and/or to assist with travel expenses to attend professional development conferences and opportunities. Recipients are chosen by the Writing Arts Department.

Eric Noon

Antoinette Libro Scholarship for Excellence in Writing Arts

Scholarship awarded to an incoming Master of Arts in Writing student with at least a 3.5 GPA. Recipient should have earned a B.A. in Writing Arts or English. The recipient is selected by the Program Coordinator and Department Chair in consultation with Writing Arts professors.

Previous Award Recipients

Antoinette Libro Graduate Medallion Recipients

2025—Jennifer Lendvai-Lintner

2024—Emily Nolan

2023—Amanda Smera Welsh

2022—Ariana Tucker

2021—Connie Buckmaster

2020—Isha Strasser

2019—Devon James

2018—Myriah Stubee

2017—Samantha Fotos

2016—Jennifer K. Martin

2015—Steve Royek

2014—Jorie Rao

2013—Christen Otter

2012—Joseph McGee

2011—Diane Stopyra

2010—Steven Harbold

2009—Rebecca Bland

2008—Betsy Haase

2007—Joseph Lombo

2006—Amy Kudelka

Joe McGee Second Act Award

2025—Frank Penick

2024—Katherine Bond

2023—Barbara Godshalk

Master of Arts in Writing Community Award

2025—Tiers Congdon