Classics for Everyone Essay Contest

As part of our effort to increase awareness of Classics in the KU community and to encourage our students to delve the ancient world outside of the classroom, in 2021 the Department of Classics introduced the Classics for Everyone Essay Contest.

A cash prize and immortal glory is awarded to the best essay in response to a different prompt each year. The inaugural honors went to Luca StockWil for an essay in response to the question: "Why study Classics in 2021?" The 2022 prize went to Robert Ward for his response to the question: "How can an ancient text that you have read help us understand the modern world?" We hope that Luca and Robert's answers, and any future submissions, will inspire others to explore the ancient world for themselves!

You can read the prize essays below. If you are interested in participating in this year's competition, details can be found on our Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes page.

Robert Ward - 2022 Winner

"We have entered into uncertain and unnerving times as progress and resolution seem increasingly far off. Within this environment, The Trojan Women may not give us any concrete answers or assurances, but it does give us a powerful framework for how to respond to our changing world."

You can read Robert's essay here.

Luca StockWil - 2021 Winner

"Classics is everywhere, and studying it at the core, what the Romans, the Greeks, the ancient civilizations of our world were all about, allows us to think critically, tell stories, and most importantly, connect with cultures other than our own. Today, connectivity and a sense of global community are so important, and with hard diseases that try to divide us, a sense of togetherness is something to strive for."

You can read Luca's essay here.