Coming Soon

Later this year, we will introduce the Prairie Lighthouse Writing Contest. The annual competition will invite entries from young writers across Nebraska, to be judged by writing students and faculty at Doane. Prizes will include scholarships and dual-credit course waivers.

Marianne Clarke Writing Excellence Awards

Marianne Clarke, a 1938 graduate of Doane University, enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism as a writer and editor. In memory of this legacy, the Clarke family established the Marianne Clarke Writing Excellence Awards Fund in 1987 as a tribute to excellence in writing at Doane. Members of The New Xanadu are proud to be stewards of this tradition today by overseeing three annual writing contests that showcase writers and writing on campus and beyond.

  • The Marianne Clarke Writing Excellence Award Fund includes a category for recognizing achievement in writing among all full-time students on the Crete Campus. The contest invites student writers from any discipline or major to submit a piece of their best prose, such as nonfiction essays, short stories, and research reports. The purpose of the award is to reward “deserving students who have shown extraordinary ability in written essay or research work with respect to form, content, syntax, and style.” Two awards are presented annually, each totaling $1,000.

  • The Marianne Clarke Writing Excellence Award Fund includes a category for recognizing achievement in writing among first-year students. The contest invites students to write an extemporaneous essay in response to a prompt provided shortly before the start of a timed session. The annual awards total $1,000.

  • The Marianne Clarke Writing Excellence Award Fund includes a category for recognizing special achievement among those who have made contributions to the annual Xanadu publication. This award carries “an expectation of excellence and continued interest” in Xanadu in particular and creative endeavors in general. Recipients are chosen by The New Xanadu director and staff. Two awards are presented annually, each totaling $1,000.

Have an idea?

It matters. Write it down.