The Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa invites applications for the John D. Wilson Essay Contest to recognize excellence in undergraduate writing. The selection committee will award a prize of $500 for the best analytical or interpretive essay. The winning author will also be honored at the annual Phi Beta Kappa initiation ceremony in the spring.

The Phi Beta Kappa Sturm Awards honor the memory of Albert Lee Sturm (1911-1998), a founding member of Virginia Tech’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and a University Research Professor in Political Science.  Through these awards, the Mu of Virginia chapter recognizes excellence in research (one award) and in the creative arts (two awards) by our university’s faculty.  

All Sturm Awards honor excellent work that is recognized as significant by a wider, educated audience, not just a narrow group of specialists.

Previous creative arts awards have gone to original works of fiction and poetry, musical compositions, stage and lighting design, and an intermedia arts project.  Books recognized by the research award have covered the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, on topics ranging from Moses to Darwin to the White House staff.

Each award consists of a cash prize to each winner, to be presented at the Phi Beta Kappa spring initiation ceremony.  The University Libraries will attach bookplates acknowledging the award in winning volumes in the circulating collection.