Prizes are important because they recognize and reward students for their outstanding work. In addition, they motivate students to continue their pursuit of knowledge. The university offers a variety of literary prizes that provide financial incentives to students who submit writing on a specific topic. Many of these prizes were established through bequests and are administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
The Sidney Prize is given annually for that piece of undergraduate writing which most nearly meets the high standard of originality and integrity which the late Sidney Cox set both for himself and his students in and out of the classroom. Although the Prize was endowed to promote Old and Middle English literature, this is not a restriction of its scope. A committee of Hanover members will assemble each year to judge the manuscripts and award the prize.
Established in 2000, this prize honors alumnus Sidney E. Iwanter, who, as a student in the History Department, was motivated by his own curiosity to document the knowledge of previous generations. Iwanter secretly recorded Professor Harvey Goldberg’s lectures, and he generously donated these “bootlegs” to UW-Madison (the archive can be viewed here). The prize is financed through a gift from Iwanter’s family and friends.
This annual prize is awarded by the Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) to a book that makes a significant contribution to the field. The book’s author receives both a cash prize and a plaque.
The Hillman Foundation presents monthly Sidney Prizes for journalism that serves the common good. Winners are honored across both America and Canada. The foundation was founded in 1946 in the name of Sidney Hillman, president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America labor union—a predecessor to Unite Here and Workers United—and is now led by a left-leaning board that includes former union officials and celebrities such as Danny Glover.
Each year, the University of Sydney offers a number of writing prizes. Each requires an application and the submission of a written essay or piece of creative writing on a specified theme. Writers must submit their work under an assumed name and must complete a copyright release form.
First place wins $5000, and Overland publishes the winning story in our autumn 2024 issue. Runners-up receive $750 each. To enter, click here. Subscribers to Overland are eligible to compete at a special discounted rate. For a limited time, you can purchase a one-year subscription and enter the competition at this special discount. To be considered for a prize, all entries must be submitted by June 30, 2024. If your entry takes up the voice or experience of a marginalized identity, please indicate this in your submission. For additional guidelines, see the submissions page.