Synaptic

1993 Cover

Note from the editors

By Tom Egger '93 and Julie Noordsy '94


As a way of recognizing and rewarding academic excellence, the Honors Committee and the Skills Committee take pleasure in publishing this anthology of student writing. Professors from across the curriculum were invited to submit papers of all types which, in their judgment, demonstrated good writing.

Twelve papers were selected for their readability, originality, and insight. From among the finalists included in this anthology, two were chosen to receive special awards. The winner of the John Allen Writing Award was Jay Dee. Jay’s research paper on Cold War politics in Africa was an outstanding example of the three selection criteria. Mamie Schweitzer was awarded the Maureen Danks Award for writing in the sciences. Her paper on cloning in the novel The Boys from Brazil did a good job of balancing a far-fetched science-fiction plot with scientific facts.

The papers submitted this year were very well-conceived and well-written. In narrowing the field from over thirty-five down to twelve, we had to eliminate some good work. However, we feel that the selections within this anthology best cover a spectrum of disciplinary writings.

— Tom Egger and Julie Noordsy, Editors

Cathy Haustein and Keith Yanner, Faculty Advisors

We extend a special thanks to Diane Schuring and Randa Van Dyk for their computer expertise in preparing this anthology for publication.