The prize is named after the former member of academic staff who was one of the founders of American Studies at the University of Nottingham. His own experiences as an exchange student at the University of California left him with a lifelong appreciation of study abroad as a life-changing experience.

With a £100 value, the prize is given to a student photo-essay about the study abroad experience. Wrighting attended Georgia State University in Atlanta. His essay, creatively built around four Americans who changed his life, including a chance acquaintance, a friend, a presidential candidate, and a lover, admirably fulfils the award's mission of illustrating the transformations wrought by international study.

"Joe's essay showed how his time in America taught him to embrace spontaneity and to value friendships and civic commitment," said Christopher Phelps, Associate Professor of American Studies and Director of the department's study abroad programme. "Well done, Joe!"