Poet, Joy Harjo (MFA '78) and writer, Juan Felipe Herrera (MFA '90) were among 9 writers, historians, educators, and filmmakers awarded National Humanities medals by President Joseph R. Biden for 2022. A video of the ceremony is available online at https://youtu.be/-hweFDtOPfc.

“The National Humanities Medal recipients have enriched our world through writing that moves and inspires us; scholarship that enlarges our understanding of the past; and through their dedication to educating, informing, and giving voice to communities and histories often overlooked,” said NEH Chair Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “I am proud to join President Biden in recognizing these distinguished leaders for their outstanding contributions to our nation’s cultural life.” 

The National Humanities Medal, inaugurated in 1997, honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens' engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects. Up to 12 medals can be awarded each year.

For more information:

Juan Felipe Herrera https://www.neh.gov/award/juan-felipe-herrera _{[Photo by Carlos Puma]}

Joy Harjo https://www.neh.gov/award/joy-harjo _{[Photo by Makita Wilbur]}