Andrew Romriell, a current graduate student and Graduate Instructor specializing in creative writing and creative non-fiction, received the Honorable Mention award for Creative Nonfiction in this year's Utah Original Writing Competition. The selected piece, "Pierced," is a lyric creative nonfiction essay that examines themes of family, addiction, internalized homophobia, the impact of religious and cultural upbringing, and the struggle to find self-acceptance through trauma--all expressed through a blended history of piercings and the journey Andrew took to Tacoma, WA to get his own ears pierced. From 291 submissions, Andrew's essay was selected for this award because, as the judge, Steven Church, states, "Only the best essays can take something apparently simple or mundane—like getting one’s ears pierced—and peel back all the layers to reveal the beautiful complexity of such actions." Andrew is also the recipient of two English Department scholarships: the Ken Brewer Scholarship, recognizing creative writing students who demonstrate artistic and professional promise, and the Ty and Nan Booth scholarship, also awarded to students who show professional promise. There will be an awards ceremony for the Utah Original Writing Competition award winners in early November, over Zoom.
Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed is a graduate student in his second year, pursuing a doctorate in sociology at USU. He recently helped survey Utahns to see if environmental concerns affect the decision to have children.
Utah State University President’s Office recently held receptions for this year’s round of inaugural lectures. Three recently promoted faculty in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences presented thoughtful reflections on their research and the even...
