The Jimmy Gauntt Memorial Award

The award is designed to recognize outstanding graduating seniors who have majored in English at USC and demonstrated an interest in the arts. It was founded in 2009 by Professor David Román, a Professor in the Departments of English and American Studies & Ethnicity, in honor of his former student, Jimmy Gauntt, who majored in English and died tragically in 2008. Please consider making a donation in support of USC’s multi-talented English majors.

News & Announcements

RACHEL COPE

by Casey Gauntt 2021 Recipients

I first fell in love with writing in kindergarten when my poem “My Perfect Day” won a Beanie Baby and a trip to the zoo. The love affair continued through my time at USC, where I majored in Creative Writing and continued on to a progressive master’s degree in Literary Editing and Publishing. My time […]

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ALEXIS AUGUST

by Casey Gauntt 2021 Recipients

I used to struggle with viewing my writing abilities as a talent. When I was younger, I would write little poems and beginnings of stories and I would show them to my mom. Despite her encouragement, I would crumple them up and never finish them because I felt as if I was just imitating all […]

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THE 2021 JIMMY GAUNTT MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE ANNOUNCED MARKING THE 12TH YEAR OF THE JIMMY

by Casey Gauntt 2021 Recipients

Professors David Roman, Danzy Senna and Mark Irwin, co-chairs of this year’s Selections Committee, recently announced the 2021 recipients of the Jimmy Gauntt Memorial Award, aka The Jimmy. The Jimmy is awarded to the top graduating seniors who have majored in English, Creative Writing or Narrative studies. Six stellar seniors received The Jimmy. Unfortunately, once […]

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Rami Kirio

by Casey Gauntt 2020 Recipients

Growing up in Southern California has exposed Rami to different cultures that shaped the person he is today. Born to a single mother he learned to be attentive and caring. Rami loved the water and the outdoors growing up. His favorite times growing up were family movie nights and lots of popcorn. Rami did various […]

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Kanak Kapur

by Casey Gauntt 2020 Recipients

Hi, I’m Kanak! I was born in Bombay (now known as Mumbai) and my family moved to Dubai when I was about six. My parents relocated again when I was a sophomore in high school to Los Angeles, where I was lucky enough to stay for the next six years. It was a miracle to […]

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Danielle Collins

by Casey Gauntt 2020 Recipients

Hi, I’m Danielle! I’m a double major in English and Spanish, which basically means I love language in all its forms. I’m from the suburbs of Chicago, but moved around a lot as a kid, and packed up boxes full of books each time. Growing up, I always considered my love of reading to be […]

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Fedja Celebic

by Casey Gauntt 2020 Recipients

I was born on October 14, 1997, despite not having been consulted beforehand on whether that was a good idea. I grew up in Newburyport, Massachusetts, only child to immigrants from Montenegro of former Yugoslavia. I didn’t cry much as a baby. In preschool, my teacher asked my parents if they read to me, or […]

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Luke Van Lant

by Casey Gauntt 2020 Recipients

I’m honored to be one of the recipients of the 2020 Jimmy Gauntt award for the 2020 graduating class. Growing up 45 minutes away in Long Beach, I was awakened to the city’s unique creative energy while in high school. My friends formed bands, self-published zines, and were radicalized by the 2016 election cycle. A vibrant […]

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THE 2020 JIMMY GAUNTT MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE ANNOUNCED-THE 11TH YEAR OF THE JIMMY

by Casey Gauntt 2020 Recipients

Professors David Roman and Danzy Senna, co-chairs of this year’s Selections Committee, recently announced the 2020 recipients of the Jimmy Gauntt Memorial Award, aka The Jimmy. The Jimmy is awarded to the top graduating seniors who have majored in English, Creative Writing or Narrative studies. Normally, six stellar seniors receive The Jimmy. Professor Roman explained […]

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The R.C. Baker Foundation Makes Another Donation to The Jimmy Award

by Casey Gauntt News And Announcements

We are very pleased to announce that the R.C. Baker Foundation has made another generous $7,500 donation to The James Gauntt Memorial Award, aka, The Jimmy! The Foundation, based in Encinitas, California, has been a steadfast supporter of The Jimmy since the inception of the Award in 2009 bestowed upon the top graduating seniors majoring […]

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