The Catherine B. Fogarty Creative Non-Fiction Writing Award Supports SCS Learners Writing Outstanding Nonfiction.
In March of 2021, SCS learner Catherine Fogarty won the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) Marina Nemat Award for Creative Writing for her outstanding final project. Now, the author plans to offer current SCS learners similar encouragement, inspiration, and support with the creation of a new award for creative non-fiction writers.
“I am thrilled to establish the Catherine B. Fogarty Creative Non-Fiction Writing Award at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies to recognize and support emerging literary talent within our diverse community. This award will celebrate excellence in creative non-fiction, allowing students to showcase their work and gain recognition for their achievements. When told well, true stories help us make sense of the world. They foster a deeper emotional connection to historical events, personal experiences and social issues. Creative non-fiction can push boundaries, question assumptions and help to spark meaningful conversations,” Catherine explains.
“With this award, I hope to inspire the next generation of writers who will preserve voices and stories that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten. We must continue to honour our personal and collective histories.”
SCS Creative Writing Program Director Lee Gowan believes the award will do just that. “I’m so pleased that Catherine’s generosity has made it possible for SCS to honour a Non-fiction author each year,” he says.
Each year, the $2000 award will be presented to the SCS creative writing learner with the top creative nonfiction final project manuscript as determined by a jury of publishing industry experts.