2025 Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research winners announced

The Thomas Tredway Library is pleased to announce Derek Truong as the winner of the 2025 Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research.

Derek’s compelling paper, “The Struggle for Equity in Education: Affirmative Action and Systemic Change”, was written for FYI 101, taught by Dr. Mike Egan. Derek’s paper pushed beyond popular arguments to creatively illustrate the dual roles of oppression and liberation within education.

Overall, the judges were impressed by how Derek critically evaluated theoretical perspectives to synthesize and develop his own critique of a contemporary societal issue.

In addition, the judges are also happy to announce that Selina Yawson is an honorable mention awardee for her paper, “Chasing Dreams in Modern America: Can We All Still Reach the Stars?”. Yawson synthesizes systemic social critique with close literary analysis, applying a reading of Langston Hughes' poetry to address the current moment. The paper was written for an FYI 101 course taught by Dr. Umme Al-Wazedi.

Both papers are available in Augustana Digital Commons alongside previous prizewinners, and the full judges’ statement can be read here.

Please join us in congratulating Derek and Selina during a campus celebration on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4-5 p.m. on the second floor of the Thomas Tredway Library.