The Ristine and Wagner Prizes were established in honor of Frank Humphrey Ristine, professor of English literature from 1912 to 1952, and of Frederick R. Wagner, professor of English literature from 1969 to 1995. The prizes are awarded by the faculty of the Department of English to a rising senior who has demonstrated excellence in the study of English literature. The awards are not limited to English majors but can be awarded to the best students of literature, regardless of their concentrations.The Thomas McNaughton Johnston Prize in English, established by friends and former students in honor of Professor Johnston, who taught English at Hamilton from 1934 to 1972, is awarded to the student writing the most elegant essay submitted to the Department of English during the year
The Thomas E. Meehan Prize in Creative Writing, established by Thomas E. Meehan of the Class of 1951, author of the book for the Tony award-winning Musical Annie, is awarded to two juniors who have distinguished themselves in creative writing.
The Dwight N. Lindley Prize, established in honor of Dwight N. Lindley, Class of 1942 and a professor of English at Hamilton from 1952 to 1986, provides an award for the best essay written during the academic year in English 150.
The William Rosenfeld Chapbook Prize was established in honor of Professor Rosenfeld, a member of the faculty from 1969 to 1995, who taught creative writing at both Kirkland and Hamilton Colleges. Awarded annually to a graduating senior whose portfolio of poetry, prose fiction, or drama is selected by faculty members in the Department of English, the Prize provides for the publication of a chapbook of the student's creative writing.
