Hal Wyss Endowed Scholarship in Literature

Dr. Hal Wyss taught in the Albion College English Department from 1970-2005. A beloved professor, he specialized in American literature, with a particular love for Hemingway, Frost, Twain, Faulkner, and Melville In addition to courses on composition and linguistics, Professor Wyss developed and taught courses on horror and science fiction, the work of individual authors, literary criticism, and interdisciplinary studies of the environment; he was also named Teacher of the Year and College Advisor of the year during his time at Albion.

An avid birdwatcher and fisherman, Professor Wyss authored two books, on eagles and hummingbirds. As a resident of Albion, he was also deeply involved in the community, holding leadership roles with the Albion First United Methodist Church, the Albion Academy of Lifelong Learning and the Albion Rotary; in addition, he was a member of Albion Community Theatre, the Albion Historical Society and the Riverfront Committee.

In commemoration of Professor Wyss's significant and long-lasting impact at Albion College and on the town of Albion, his family, friends, and alumni established this scholarship to encourage a promising English major with at least sophomore standing and a minimum GPA of 2.7, with preference given to a student from the town of Albion.

Awardees include:

• 2020 - Autumn Simpson
• 2019 - Abigail Adams
• 2018 - Alisha Bailey and Mckenna Donahue
• 2017 - Nicole Kurlich and Mary Noble