the Sophies
The Great Books Program is supported in part by earnings from the Sophie Oxley Clark Williams Great Books Endowed Fund, which was established by Tom Clark in 2000 in loving memory of his cousin. Mr. Clark and all five of Sophie Oxley Clark Williams’ children have generously contributed to the fund since its inception. Several Great Books alumni have also contributed to this endowed fund, and additional contributions are welcomed.
The Sophie Oxley Clark Williams Outstanding Great Books Senior is chosen each year by fellow graduating seniors and the faculty. Past recipients of this award are listed below:
- 2017: Joseph Payne
- 2016: William Scruggs
- 2015: Brandon Brock
- 2014: Patrick Jolley
- 2013: Kalie Frank
- 2012: Catherine Roe
- 2011: Emma Stitt
- 2010: Jacob O’Neal and Meredith Milligan
- 2009: Emma Hughes
- 2008: Katherine Ann Grimm
- 2007: Timothy Durski
- 2006: Stefanie Llorens and William Godfrey
- 2005: Clinton D. Patrick
- 2004: Jordan Dominy
- 2003: Kelly Cannon
- 2002: Doug Watson
- 2001: Stephanie Shelton
- 2000: Shaun Kell
- 1999: Lee Bareford
- 1998: Sarah Gerwig
- 1997: Christine Harris (nee Koch)
- 1996: Jonathan Dunn
- 1995: Katherine Kerns and Scott Key
- 1994: Carolyn Arnold
- 1993: Brian O’Dell
- 1992: Eric O’Dell
- 1990: Shelle C. Wilson
- 1989: Charlotte Thomas (nee Smith)
- 1988: Diane Carter
- 1987: Rhonda Moorman
The Sophie Oxley Clark Williams Outstanding Essay Award was begun in academic year ’06-’07. Faculty members teaching GBK 306, GBK 407 and GBK 495 during the fall semester can submit one essay for consideration. A panel composed of three Great Books faculty members read and select one essay from those submitted. Past recipients of this award are listed below with links to their papers:
- 2017: Sydney Koenig
- 2016: William Scruggs
- 2015: Anna Mae Kersey
- 2014: Monique Darling
- 2013: Aidan Kirkpatrick
- 2012: Jan Jones
- 2011: Mary-Kathryn Wiley
- 2010: Kerry Landon Moore
- 2009: John Pascarella
- 2008: Adam Matthew DeLong
- 2007: Katherine Ann Grimm