“Angry as one may be at what careless people have done and still do to a noble habitat, it is hard to be pessimistic about the West. This is the native home of hope. When it finally learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism, is the pattern 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 the scenery.”
Wallace Stegner
Special thanks go 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!
Each year, the Center of the American West presents the 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 have 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 is presented to those who have faithfully and evocatively depicted the spirit of the American West.
A public event is held in Boulder, Colorado, to honor the recipient and present the award. The recipient is 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 is a beautifully framed, hand-made certificate. The award’s inscription is personalized to reflect the recipient’s distinguished accomplishments on behalf of the American West. The Wallace Stegner Award also comes with a $1,000 cash award.
