THEN & NOW THE AWARDS ISSUE

In early-May, with the passing of another academic year, English students and faculty, family and friends, gather together in the Kansas Union for the annual Awards Ceremony. Seated at round tables, filled with appetizers and conversation, guests listen for the calling of a familiar name, but before each recipient is announced, another name is read, one belonging to a Jayhawk of the past—a former student, professor, or friend of the department—who like them, once called Mount Oread home.

These names appear on certificates, financial statements, spreadsheets, and email lines, and with them new life is breathed into the department through academic research, recognition, and recruitment. Awards, scholarships, and other endowment funds not only enable the KU English Department to thrive in the present, but they connect us back to our past, creating a legacy of excellence in English literature and language.

In this issue of Accents, we offer a small glimpse at the stories and individuals behind these funds. We have bolded the first mention of each of them and sought to highlight the impact they are having right now and for the future.

To all those who support the KU English Department, we thank you for your generosity. Rock chalk!