Gerald J. Alred Professional Writing Challenge Award - Spring Semester

The Gerald J. Alred Professional Writing Challenge Award is a competitive writing award for students enrolled in English 205, 206, or 207 courses at UW-Milwaukee. Participants compete in a timed writing challenge held in a computer lab, where they must compose a business letter responding to a specific professional case scenario. For Spring 2025, the challenge requires writing a correctly formatted one-page letter using the Indirect Pattern of Organization to address a sensitive business communication situation. The competition tests students' professional writing skills, including proper letter formatting, tone, and communication strategy. Winners are selected at three levels, with the first-place winner receiving a $500 monetary award deposited into their PAWS account in the following Fall semester. All participants receive a printed Certificate of Participation and are invited to an annual awards ceremony held the following February, which recognizes participants from both Spring and Fall competitions. The award emphasizes professional development, with organizers encouraging students to include their participation on their résumés. Students must be enrolled at UWM during the Fall semester following the competition to receive the monetary award.