Awards
Each year, Fresh Writing publishes the award-winning essays from the McPartlin Award and the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art.
McPartlin Award
Founded in the early 1990s by Stephen McPartlin, the McPartlin Award honors excellent writing by first year students at the University of Notre Dame. Three awards are given, and winning essays are published in Fresh Writing. First, second, and third place winners receive $300, $250, and $200 cash awards, respectively, and certificates commemorating their achievement. In 2026 we are pleased to include two Honorable Mention winners, receiving cash awards of $125 each, sponsored by the Director of the University Writing Program. For submission details and due dates, visit the McPartlin Submission Guidelines page.
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Each academic year, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, in conjunction with the University Writing Program, celebrates exemplary student writing based on or inspired by a work of art in the Museum’s collection. First, second, and third place winners receive $150, $125, and $100 cash awards, respectively. Winners at any level who are first-year students will also have their essays published in Fresh Writing. For submission details and due dates, visit the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art Writing Competition page.
