This program brings to campus a succession of distinguished writers, editors, and literary scholars. Some of the some of the writers and scholars who have come to Washington College in the last decade to teach, lecture, and conduct writing workshops are listed below,

• Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky
• Joseph Brodsky
• Gwendolyn Brooks
• Lucille Clifton
• James McBride
• Peter Matthiessen
• Toni Morrison
• Bobbie Ann Mason

The Sophie Kerr Fund also supports the Sophie Kerr Prize, the largest undergraduate award in the United States and one of the largest literary awards in the world (around $75,000). The prize is awarded annually to a graduating senior “having the best ability and promise for future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor.”

The Sophie Kerr Fund also provides scholarships for entering students who show promise in the field of literary endeavor, whether that be academic analysis of literature, creative writing, journalism, or editing.  All students who major in English are eligible for up to $3,000 from the Sophie Kerr Promise Grants to support experiential and co-curricular learning, such as fees associated with an internship, study abroad, research trips, and more.