The University will be closed December 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026. If you need assistance during that time, please call 1-855-OWU-1842 and leave a detailed voicemail along with your contact information. One of our colleagues will respond to your call as soon as possible.
If you would like to make a 2025 gift, please make your gift before midnight on December 31.
Emma Sparks graduated with the Class of 1913. She married Williams L. Sanders also from the Class of 1913. On May 2, 1996, Williams Sanders gave Ohio Wesleyan $1,000 for The Emma Sparks Memorial Fund.
The income from this endowment was to be awarded for superior accomplishment in 19th century English literature (including American literature). The award is based on a critical essay or research paper written in a course in 19th century American or British literature, with additional consideration of meritorious course work in the period. Please find the last five (5) years' award winners listed below. For an exhaustive list of past recipients, please email the department at eng@owu.edu.
| Year | Place | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1st | Sam Parker |
| 2nd | Dana Kolesar '25 | |
| 2024 | 1st | N/A |
| 2nd | N/A | |
| 2023 | 1st | Katie Davis |
| 2nd | N/A | |
| 2022 | 1st | N/A |
| 2nd | N/A | |
| 2021 | 1st | N/A |
| 2nd | N/A |