The Gilbert Prize, established in 1894, is awarded to “students who have demonstrated superiority in English” during the prior calendar year for seniors and juniors, or during the prior three semesters for sophomores.

The Class of 1883 Prize, established in 1883, awarded to a “senior who has demonstrated excellence in English” over the student’s entire career at Lafayette.

H. MacKnight Black Poetry and Literature Prize, established in 1945, is awarded for a poem or group of poems by a senior. A poet of national or international distinction judges the contest.

Jean Corrie Poetry Prize, awarded for best poem by a first-year student, sophomore or junior. It is sponsored by the Department of English and the Academy of American Poets.