Dialogue Programs - Communications

ESSAY CONTEST - "The Salesian Spirit"

Beginning in 2006, with the 40th anniversary of DeSales University and in conjunction with World Communications Day, the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture will sponsor an annual writing contest for members of the campus community.

World Communications Day, the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council, is celebrated in most countries on the Sunday before Pentecost.  The announcement of the theme is made in September on the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, who have been designated patrons of those who work in radio.  The Holy Father's message for World Communications Day is traditionally published in conjunction with the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers.

WHO:  

• Any member of the DeSales University community (faculty, administration, staff, student, or alumnus) may submit an essay.

• Essays will be judged by the Review Committee of the Salesian Center.

WHAT:  Essays are to expound upon the relationship between faith and culture in the lived experience of contemporary life.   While determination of the specific subject of the essay is at the discretion of the author, essays should somehow touch upon the theme of the year's World Communications Day, as determined by the Pope.   

Theme for 2006:

The Media:  A Network for Communication, Communion and Cooperation

click here to read the pope's message

WHEN:  

• The contest opens each year on the feast of St. Francis de Sales (January 24th), as part of the university's Heritage Week celebrations.  Essays must be received by the Director of the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture on or before February 28th. 
   

• Winners will be announced on March 15th. 

HOW:  

• Essays must be the work of a single individual and written for a university-level readership.

• Essays may not be less than 1000 words or more than 2000 words in length (approximately 4-8 pages). 

• Essays must be typed, double spaced, on 8.5" x 11" paper, with 1" margins, and written in an appropriate style. 

• Essays must be submitted electronically, either in MS Word or WordPerfect format.

• A cover page including the contestant's name (which should not appear on the essay) and some means of contact (address, telephone, e-mail, etc.) must accompany the essay.

AWARDS:  Two prizes are offered for outstanding essays:

• The "best student essay" receives an award of $150.

• The "best of the rest" receives an award of $50. 

The Review Committee reserves the right not to make awards if the essays are not of sufficient quality.

• Award winning essays will be published (in print and/or electronically) by the Salesian Center.

for a list of previous award-winning essays, click here

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