Sesquicentennial competition established

T he River Campus libraries are sponsoring a research paper competition for undergraduates as part of the University's sesquicentennial celebrations for 2000. The libraries invite papers, up to 20 pages, on any aspect of the University's history. The competition, open to undergraduates on any of the University campuses, offers two River Campus libraries awards: $1,000 for first prize and $500 for second prize. President Thomas Jackson will be one of the judges.

The libraries urge faculty whose courses include a research paper to encourage students to select a topic that could qualify for the competition. Possible topics include the University's student life in a particular period, its role in the Rochester community, an important individual involved in its history, a policy issue from the past, the University during a war period, or a landmark research achievement or educational innovation at the University.

A student also may choose to write a paper independent of any coursework, but still will be asked to choose a faculty advisor for the project. Student researchers may use the University archival materials in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Rush Rhees Library as well as all other resources at all the libraries, including consultations with librarians.

The deadline for papers is August 15, 2000, and winners will present their papers on Sesquicentennial Day, October 14, 2000.

For more information contact Kathy McGowan (x5-9302 or kmcgowan@rcl.lib.rochester.edu).