(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – September 18, 2026) Algoma University’s Bachelor of English student, Melanie Campbell, received an Honourable Mention in the Phyllis Perrakis Student Essay Contest for her essay on Nobel Prize-winning author Doris Lessing.
Returning to university as a mature student in the Winter 2026 semester, Campbell’s recognized essay, titled “The Magic Realism of Doris Lessing’s The Memoirs of a Survivor,” was originally completed as her final project for the English course ‘Children of Violence: Contemporary Literature’, taught by Associate Professor and Chair, Department of English and History, Dr. Alice Ridout.
The international competition, organized by the Doris Lessing Society, invites graduate and upper-level undergraduate students to submit original scholarly essays examining the work of acclaimed author Doris Lessing, with the winning paper considered for publication in the Society’s peer-reviewed journal, Doris Lessing Studies.
“Dr. Ridout was an invaluable resource and support for my first term back in university,” said Campbell. “I am beyond grateful and proud to have written a paper worthy of consideration for the Phyllis Perrakis Essay Contest. Returning to university has given me the opportunity to challenge myself academically and explore subjects I am passionate about. Having my work recognized internationally has been incredibly meaningful.”
Campbell’s recognition demonstrates what can be possible when undergraduate students have access to meaningful research opportunities and close mentorship, particularly given the international and graduate-level nature of the competition.
“That Melanie Campbell was awarded the Honourable Mention as an undergraduate student is a remarkable achievement,” said Dr. Ridout. “Melanie is inspiring. She took her return to university studies as a mature student really seriously. This is an excellent example of what Algoma University is all about: accessibility, small, nurturing classes, and access at the undergraduate level to research opportunities with one-on-one mentorship from faculty. While Melanie was supported in this achievement, her outstanding success is all her own.”
Campbell’s achievement highlights the opportunities available to Algoma University students who choose to return to university later in their educational journey and demonstrates the contributions undergraduate students can make to international scholarly conversations beyond the classroom.
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