The James R. Bomberger Award for Excellence in TESOL honors an EMU student who is a senior or junior, minoring in TESOL, whose performance in TESOL classes and practicums has been outstanding. Professor Emeritus Jim Bomberger, who taught English grammar and American literature, founded EMU’s minor in teaching English to speakers of other languages, helped EMU establish links in China and Japan, and was a Fulbright scholar in Liberia.

The Omar Eby Writing Award honors a senior majoring or minoring in Writing Studies who demonstrates excellence in the craft of creative writing and who provides insightful critique and support for other writers in creative workshops. Professor Emeritus Omar Eby published thirteen books and numerous articles and short stories, some honoring his conservative Mennonite past in Maryland. Generations of EMU students revere him for his realism, sometimes uncomfortable honesty, delightful irreverence and sincere caring for others.

The Ervie L. Glick Award for Excellence in World Language Study honors the senior and/or junior who has exhibited academic excellence as a Spanish major and has shown a clear sense of call to pursuing graduate work or using his/her language degree in service to the church. German Professor Emeritus Glick taught German, English, French and led intercultural groups to Germany and Austria in his relentless pursuit of bringing the world and its languages to his students.

The Ray Elvin Horst Award for Excellence in Spanish honors a junior or senior who has exhibited academic excellence in Spanish courses. Spanish Faculty Emeritus Horst was known for his unique and innovative teaching methodologies and taught at both the high school and college levels during his illustrious career.

The Jay B. Landis Award for Excellence in Literary Studies honors an EMU student, majoring or minoring in the Language and Literature Department, who completes an essay, research paper, or scholarly presentation for a literature course that exemplifies the components of good literary analysis. Professor Emeritus Landis, beloved by generations of students during a 51-year career, taught writing, speech, literature and other courses. His literature classes included modern poetry, modern drama and Shakespeare.

The Carroll Yoder Award for Teaching Excellence honors an EMU student who is a senior or junior who has demonstrated academic excellence in both literary studies and education courses and has shown a clear call to the teaching profession. Professor Emeritus Carroll Yoder, who taught French, English, and writing, along with mentoring many aspiring teachers, provided his students and colleagues with a powerful example of scholarship in service to others during his thirty-four years in the Language and Literature Department.