In its inaugural year, the Chowan University Undergraduate Prize for Writing hosted by the Creative Writing Club drew more than 40 submissions. The winners received a cash prize and presented their works in April during the Chowan University Undergraduate Research Conference.

Samara Hardiman, of Suffolk, was a runner-up in the poetry category with her submission, “Mark It By the Day.”

“My hope is that the contest, to be held annually, will lead to more students sharing their creative writing on campus,” Chowan Assistant Professor of Creative Writing Jennifer Newhouse said about the new contest on campus. “We have many talented writers at Chowan, and contests are a great way for them to share their work with the university community. We read many commendable and praiseworthy submissions.”