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Eighth annual Showcase of Student Writing planned April 6

February 23, 2015

NIU Showcase of Student WritingNIU’s First Year Composition Program (FYComp) will host its eighth annual Showcase of Student Writing from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 6, in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center.

The showcase is a platform for hundreds of NIU’s English students to share their scholarship with the university and local communities. Last year’s showcase attendees included NIU President Doug Baker, Provost Lisa Freeman and the mayors of DeKalb and Sycamore.

Traditionally limited to students from English 104 and 105, this year’s showcase is open to presentations from students in all FYComp and literature courses. Students present their research through a combination of visual and written materials, often including participatory elements, such as games, polls and quizzes.

Official judges and other attendees examine posters, listen to presentations and ask questions of presenters. Cash prizes and trophies are awarded to members of the top three projects, which will be presented during a 4:30 p.m. ceremony.

“The enthusiasm and excitement of the showcase is indescribable,” said Dustin Marquis, showcase committee chair. “Students have an opportunity to share their ideas and research with their peers as well as other faculty, administrators and community members. Everyone leaves the showcase having learned something and, I believe, having had fun doing so.”

The showcase furthers the department’s goal of helping students develop their critical thinking and communication skills. In doing so, it prepares students for participation in the academic and professional discourses that they will encounter in their undergraduate studies and beyond.

For more information, email dustin.marquis.niu@gmail.com.