Wilma Messing
with
John Updike
1987

Wilma Engel Messing, a very active member of the Board of Directors of the Saint Louis University Library Associates, passed away in her home of congestive heart failure on March 10, 2008. Mrs. Messing was 88 years old.

Mrs. Messing, and her late husband Roswell “Bud” Messing, founded what is now known as the Saint Louis Literary Award. First presented as the Wilma and Roswell Messing, Jr. Award in 1967, this prestigious award recognizes literary giants who are writers, poets, essayists, critics, playwrights, and novelists. Past awardees include Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike, Saul Bellow, and Antonia Fraser.