Wallace Stegner Award

From 1990 to 2019, the Center of the American West presentedÌýthe Wallace Stegner Award to an individual who has made a sustained contribution to the cultural identity of the West through literature, art, history, lore, or an understanding of the West. In the spirit of Wallace Stegner, the recipients demonstrated singular achievement, creativity, and dedication to the perception of the West and Western issues, and have communicated to others the importance and uniqueness of the West as a distinct region. In short, the award was presented to those who have faithfully and evocatively depicted the spirit of the American West.

A public event was held in Boulder, Colorado, to honor the recipient and present the award. The recipient was interviewed about her/his life achievements, particular interests in the West, accomplishments in bringing recognition to the West and Western issues, and their views about the West in general.

The Wallace Stegner Award was a beautifully framed, hand-made certificate. The award’s inscription was personalized to reflect the recipient’s distinguished accomplishments on behalf of the American West. The Wallace Stegner Award also cameÌýwith a cash award.

Alan and Carol Olson

Special Thanks!

A special thanks to Alan and Carol Ann Olson for their generous gift, ensuring that the Stegner Awards will continue to honor those who have the greatest influence on the West, for many years to come!

To see all of the videos from Stegner Award events,
visit our Ìý±è²¹²µ±ð.

October 3, 2019
SheriffÌý

October 2, 2018
Documentary MakerÌý

December 7, 2017

December 7, 2017

April 13, 2016
Op-ed Columnist for theÌýNew York TimesÌý
Award-winning AuthorÌý

April 20, 2015
Serving Boulder County and beyond since 1947Ìý

April 25, 2013
Award-winning AuthorÌý
HistorianÌý

April 25, 2012
Bestselling AuthorÌý

October 27, 2011
Frequent Contributer to The New YorkerÌý
Pulitzer Prize WinnerÌý

September 28, 2010
EntrepreneurÌý
PhilanthropistÌý

February 26, 2009
Award-winning
Western AuthorÌý

April 17, 2008
First Female Supreme Court JusticeÌý

September 27, 2007
Award-winning AuthorÌý

November 2, 2006
Native American Rights Activist

November 2, 2006
Native American Rights ActivistÌý

November 2, 2005
Award-winning Author

October 28, 2003
AuthorÌý

October 23, 2002
Author
Professor Emeritus of HistoryÌý
Former ExecutiveÌý
Director of the NCAIÌý

January 1, 2001
Award-winning AuthorÌý

February 17, 1999
AuthorÌý
Naturalist at Yellowstone National ParkÌý

January 1, 1998
Environmental AuthorÌý
Former Editor of Wilderness MagazineÌý

June 1, 1997
Former Montana StatesmanÌý
Former Mayor of MissoulaÌý

January 1, 1997
Award-winning Author and Poet Professor Emeritus of English at CU

June 1, 1996
Manager of the Western History/Genealogy Department of the Denver Public Library

January 1, 1996
Award-winning Author Western Historian

June 1, 1995
Western AuthorÌý
HistorianÌý

January 1, 1995
ArtistÌý
Activist for NativeÌýAmerican IssuesÌý

January 1, 1991
Pulitzer Prize-winning AuthorÌý

June 1, 1990
Former Editor of The Denver PostÌý

January 1, 1990
Publisher of High Country NewsÌý

Ìý

Angry as one may be at what heedless men have done and still do to a noble habitat, one cannot be pessimistic about the West. This is the native home of hope. When it fully learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism, is the quality that most characterizes and preserves it, then it will have achieved itself and outlived its origins. Then it has a chance to create a society to match its scenery.

-Wallace Stegner

Wallace Stegner