Thanks to the generosity of former Executive Secretary Keith Welsh, whose gift establishes this award, MVSA has a new means of encouraging young scholar-teachers, as well as a way of acknowledging the contributions of Bill and Mary Burgan to Victorian studies and to this association.
Keith's description of the prize follows:As anyone who has ever attended a scholarly meeting knows, presenting solid scholarship is only half of our job. Too often, speakers do not take the time to rehearse their presentations; they rush through them, try to cram too much into the time allotted, do not present an argument structured so that their listeners can follow it, or fail to make effective use of their speaking voice and visual aids. In short, they do not consider their audience. This can be a particular problem at an interdisciplinary conference with an audience from diverse backgrounds.
The Burgan Prize for the Outstanding Presentation by a Graduate Student at the Midwest Victorian Studies Association Annual Meeting recognizes a graduate student who exemplifies the qualities of an excellent teacher as well as a capable scholar by giving a presentation that demonstrates "teacherly" qualities. Criteria include an unhurried, well-organized presentation that meets the time limits; good eye contact with the audience; effective use of visual and verbal aids (though visual aids are not a requirement); an obvious passion for the work presented; and grace in handling questions at the end. In short, the winner of the Burgan Prize should demonstrate promise as a teacher as well as a scholar.
The award is intended to honor two people who are admirable scholar/teachers in their own right, and who, during their distinguished service at Indiana University, always evidenced sincere care and concern for graduate students. Bill and Mary Burgan have long been mainstays of Victorian studies, and each has done significant interdisciplinary work. But in addition to being fine scholars and fine teachers, they are wonderful human beings.
Past Burgan Prize recipients: