THE UNIVERSITY OF Denver’s year-long lecture series, Bridges to the Future: American History and Values in Light of September 11th, wants to know what DU students think.
The lecture series was begun in Sept. 2002 by DU and Colorado State University, and endorsed by Governor Bill Owens. It was started with the intent of fostering a deeper understanding of the values, experiences and heritage of the United States, particularly in the light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Over the past school year, Bridges to the Future has welcomed international speakers, hosted discussions on local and international issues, and held multicultural events on campus for the DU community.
In an effort to find out what the American people consider important, Bridges to the Future is sponsoring an essay contest for Colorado residents of all ages.
The idea behind this contest is to challenge Colorado residents to examine their beliefs and values as Americans, and how they may have changed since Sept. 11.
There are five separate categories in this contest. The categories are elementary school students, middle and junior high school students, high school students, college and university students and the general public.
One winner will be chosen from each category, and honorable mentions will be chosen, if necessary.
The topic of the essay is “What value or values are important to you, and why?” The essay is due by or before April 30. Essays must be between 800 and 1,000 words, and center around the given topic.
The author who writes the winning entry in each category will receive a Series EE $500 US savings bond. The authors who write honorable mentions will receive a Series EE $100 US savings bond.
Students’ essays will be judged by a panel of faculty members from both DU and Colorado State University. The judges will determine the winning essays based on the following criteria: creativity (60%); quality (20%); and originality (20%).
Entrants need not worry since the judging will be anonymous. The contest winners will be publicly honored at one of the Bridges to the Future events in 2003.
To submit an essay to the contest, students can e-mail their work to essays@bridgestothefuture.us, fax their papers to (303) 871-4585 or mail them directly to the office at Bridges to the Future Essay Contest, University of Denver, 2199 S. University Boulevard, Denver Co, 80208.
All submitted essays must include the author’s name, age, grade in school (if applicable), and daytime phone number, for notification.
Students who want more information on the contest, or to find out about upcoming Bridges to the Future events, can go to www.bridgestothefuture.us or call (303) 871-2357.
