Creative thesis writers Justin Maikoff, poetry, and John Sallay, fiction, were the first winners of The John Tagliabue Prize for Creative Writing. At the ceremony to inaugurate the prize on May 14, 2003, Rob Farnsworth of the English Department introduced John Tagliabue, who reminisced about his time at Bates and read selections from his work to friends, students and former colleagues gathered in Chase Lounge for the event.

Chair of English Steve Dillon paid tribute to the two prizewinners and presented them with a check and a certificate noting their achievement. In addition, a plaque will hang in the department with the names of the winners of the Prize, which will continue in perpetuity.

Mr. Tagliabue, who taught in the English Department of Bates College for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1989, was born in Como, Italy, and grew up in New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia University before coming to Bates and has published six collections of poetry, including the most recent: New and Selected Poems 1942-1997.

Poet Rob Farnsworth wrote of him and the award, "The establishment of this award in John's name means to honor the passionate dedication he brought to his writing and to his teaching, as well as the example of his omniverous imagination, by which all his travels, in body and mind, come together in praises wry and joyful, ecstatic, and generous."

The inaugural prize was funded by The Mellon Learning Associates Program in the Humanities.

Winners of The John Tagliabue Prize for Creative Writing

2003

John Sallay  Fiction, Justin Maikoff  Poetry

2004

Sarah Tressel Poetry