FYE Prize

Candace Carlucci Backus '66 FYE Prize in Honor of Student Academic Achievement in the First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience Prize, supported with the generosity of Candace Carlucci Backus ’66, will be awarded annually to up to three projects by first-year students in recognition of exceptional scholarly or artistic achievement in the fall’s Scribner Seminars.

During the spring semester, the First-Year Experience Office will solicit nominations from the previous fall’s Scribner Seminar instructors. Nominations may be either for individual or collaborative projects, and may include any kind of exemplary work – written, visual, or performative.

Congratulations to the Class of 2027 First Year Experience Backus Prize Winners!

Amanda Ruffino (’27) and Audrey Tignor (‘27) are the recipients of the 2023-2024 Candace Carlucci Backus Prize for their outstanding work in their Fall 2024 Scribner Seminars.

Class of 2027 FYE Backus Prize Winners:

Amanda Ruffino, for her paper "The Evolving Role of Rye: Navigating the Influence and Significance of the Rye Grain in History" from the Scribner Seminar American Tastes, with Professor Beck Krefting

Audrey Tignor, for her paper "Leaving Barbie Land: Growth and Manipulation in Emma" from the Scribner Seminar Jane Austen, Inc. with Professor Catherine Golden

Congratulations to the Class of 2027 FYE Backus Prize Nominees!

Kyle Goodwin ('27)  and Sara Tilem ('27), nominated by Professor Rodrigo Schneider

Gray Mendoza-Arredondo ('27) and Carter Nierle ('27), nominated by Professor Juliane Wuensch

Vicky Grechukhina ('27), nominated by Professor Jordana Dym

Evelyn Labson ('27), nominated by Professor Natalie Taylor