Essay contest winners chosen, share $5,000 prize money

Five creative University of Nebraska-Lincoln students each won $1,000 (a $4 per word payoff) for their 250-word essays describing how they are engaged with their education.

From 146 entrees, judges picked five winners in the Engage, Connect and Balance Essay Contest sponsored by UNL and Nebraska's Subway Restaurants. The winners will pick up their prizes during a reception at 4:30 today in the food court near Subway in the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St.

The winning authors:

Jennifer Edeal described in her essay how chemistry instructor Bill McLaughlin has "instilled a few new elements in my 'periodic table of life'." Edeal is a sophomore and a 2003 Lexington High School graduate.

Allisyn Jensen told how English instructor Hadara Bar-Nadav guided her to discover truth "through our writing, interaction with others, and reflection on ourselves." Jensen is a sophomore and 2003 Kearney Catholic High School graduate.

Patrick McAtee detailed how architectural engineering professor Lily Wang welcomed him to audit a class and "connected me with the larger scientific community." McAtee is a senior and 2000 Omaha Westside High School graduate.

Benjamin Polly wrote that because of professors like Eveline Baesu in engineering mechanics, "students like myself are being engaged, connected and are learning to balance their college experience in order to have a life-changing adventure..." Polly is a junior and 2002 Lincoln Southeast High School graduate.

Stephanie Sparks said communication studies instructor Rachel Friedman "engaged my scholarship, my humanity, and my understanding that each individual is an integral part in the fabric of modern society." Sparks is a senior and 2001 Lincoln Southeast graduate.

The winning essays may be viewed online.

The essay contest challenged full-time UNL undergraduates to explain in 250 words or less how they have been helped by a UNL professor to engage, connect and balance to succeed in school. Entries were accepted online and judged by a panel of UNL students from the Chancellor's Leadership Class (who were not eligible to enter).

The essay contest is part of a multifaceted campaign including radio advertising and messages on campus and in Subway's stores. The campaign plays on Subway's theme, "Choose Well," emphasizing healthy food choices, and UNL's messages encouraging students to "engage, connect and balance" to succeed in school. The winning essays will be featured in upcoming messages.

According to UNL officials, to engage means to involve oneself intellectually in a course's subject matter through active participation in class and to make the extra effort to go beyond course requirements. To connect is to become an active participant in the UNL community, and to balance refers to managing one's lifestyle so that physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs are met.

CONTACT: Dave Fitzgibbon, University Communications, (402) 472-8520