Four Princeton staff members have been honored for their essays in the fifth annual Princeton Writes essay contest. From left, 2018-2019 honorees Anna Braverman, University Health Services; Jeff Labrecque, University Advancement; and Kira O’Brien and Gwen McNamara, Pace Center for Civic Engagement. The 2018-2019 contest inspired a record 70 submissions from 44 academic and administrative units. University staff members were invited to introduce a personal community, place or pastime and reflect on its meaning in their lives. An essay by Kira O’Brien, program coordinator at the John H. Pace, Jr. ’39 Center for Civic Engagement, took the Princeton Writes [...]

The topic of Princeton's fourth annual staff essay contest has been announced: Describe an encounter or relationship that has given you a new perspective. Between now and February 28, members of the University's academic professional, administrative, and support staffs are invited to craft and submit an essay of between 750 and 1,250 words. Broadly conceived, this year's topic is not restricted to Princeton -- perhaps it was a grandparent who influenced the way you see the world -- or even to people -- maybe one of nature's wonders has affected you profoundly. The possibilities are legion; what matters is how clearly, [...]

Princeton Writes marked the successful conclusion of its third annual staff essay contest with a festive reception at Maclean House on June 12. In his remarks, program director John Weeren thanked contestants for revealing overlooked and underappreciated facets of Princeton's campus, as well as important aspects of themselves. When we write, he said, "we remove our own cloaks of invisibility, so to speak, and that demands both personal courage and faith in others." Vice President for Human Resources Lianne Sullivan-Crowley offered her own congratulations before the contest's honorees were introduced. Princeton Writes Prize winner Tom Dunne and honorable mention recipients Matt [...]

The 2016-2017 Princeton Writes essay contest invited University staff to share their thoughts on something they believe is overlooked or underappreciated at Princeton. Among 40 submissions across 31 academic and administrative units, four essays stood out. Tom Dunne was awarded the Princeton Writes Prize, and Matt Eaton, Jon Horowitz, and Gwen McNamara received honorable mentions. Pictured at the Princeton University Art Museum, from left, Princeton Writes Essay Contest honorees Tom Dunne, Jon Horowitz, Gwen McNamara, and Matt Eaton. Photo: David Kelly Crow. The four honorees painted a captivating picture of their “special something” at Princeton through a rich blend of original [...]