Marian University celebrated student creativity and storytelling across disciplines during the 2026 Creative Knights Award at the annual Arts and Media Showcase.
Held in the library auditorium and preceded by a campus gathering at The Exchange, the event brought together students, faculty, and the Marian community to celebrate excellence in writing, media production, visual arts, theater, and music.
“The Creative Knights Awards highlight the incredible talent and dedication of our students across disciplines,” said Pan Liu, assistant professor of communication and awards coordinator. “These works reflect not only artistic excellence, but the creativity, storytelling, and technical skills that prepare our students for future success.”
This year’s awards also recognized the work of students in Marian’s Women’s College Partnership, which provides liberal arts education to incarcerated women at the Indiana Women’s Prison. Students Luveesa Shockley and Jacklyn Bell earned honors in writing, underscoring Marian’s commitment to access, dignity, and transformative learning.
Several students earned recognition across multiple categories, highlighting the interdisciplinary strength of Marian’s creative programs. Among the most decorated were Sylvia Vanderburgh, Hailey Ready, and Anabel Burns.
Selected Award Winners
Writing
- Critical Essay: Sylvia Vanderburgh (1st)
- Poetry: Bethany Worrell (1st)
- Short Fiction: Hailey Ready (1st)
- Nonfiction: Anabel Burns (1st)
Media Production:
- Photography: Eli Givens (1st)
- Podcasting: Kendall Buechler and Cecilia Doyle (1st)
- Video Production: Eli Givens (1st)
Art:
- 2D Art: John Harley (1st)
- 3D Art: Sylvia Vanderburgh (1st)
- Graphic Design: Clare Lindberg (1st)
Theater & Music:
- Acting: Hailey Ready (1st)
- Instrumental Performance: Sylvia Vanderburgh (1st)
- Vocal Performance: Hailey Ready (1st)
The Creative Knights Awards are open to all undergraduate students, regardless of major, and are designed to celebrate and encourage creative expression across campus.
“This event is a reminder that creativity thrives in every corner of Marian,” Liu said. “We are proud to provide a platform where students can share their voices and talents with the broader community.