Marci N. Oster received the Gerald L. Belcher Endowed Writing Award at the Arcadia University Honors Convocation on March 27. A special guest, Margaret Zuccarini, attended the Convocation on behalf of the award. The award is made to the undergraduate who demonstrates excellence in analytical written discourse, as evidenced by an essay composed especially for this award, which was established in 1994 in memory of former Professor of History Gerald L. Belcher, by his family, friends and colleagues.

Oster’s essay for the Belcher Prize argued in favor of the following proposition: “In the changed global context, it is better to negotiate than to bully.”

“The essay was outstanding, well-reasoned and persuasively developed,” noted Assistant Professor Mark Wade. “This fine piece of work appropriately reflects Dr. Gerry Belcher’s dedication to the influence of good writing and the power of ideas. Marci has studied in England and Italy, so far.”