Alexa Schwartz, an English major in the College of Arts and Sciences, with a concentration in creative writing, has been awarded the John G. Martin Scholarship, presented annually to a deserving and qualifying student who wishes to attend a graduate program at a top university in Great Britain.
Schwartz has proven herself in countless ways at the University of Hartford. It comes as no surprise to her instructors and classmates that she has already been accepted to Queen Mary University of London to study in its prestigious English literature program for theatre and performance.
First and foremost, Schwartz has consistently demonstrated excellence in writing. She has been noted for a particular skill with persuasive essays, a mature communication style, and an astute approach to perceptive commentary.
“Alexa proved herself to be a strong student through consistent preparation and engagement in class,” says Bryan Sinche, professor of English and chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages. “She was always willing to participate with contributions that were unfailingly meaningful and illuminating.”
Schwartz served as secretary of the school’s Aerie literary magazine, establishing herself as an excellent judge of quality, with an insightful eye into design, distribution, and other important aspects of magazine management. She also has proven herself as a skilled drama critic, and is augmenting that talent by taking modern drama classes on the honors level.
“Alexa was always willing—and even eager—to disagree with her classmates and with me,” Sinche adds. “She was never afraid to stand up for her point of view, even when it went against the run of class discussion. This is evidence of her personal and intellectual maturity.”
Schwartz has already spent some time studying abroad, and that experience led her to want to return overseas so she can continue to benefit from the influence of a diverse group of students.