Awards History

History of the Humanities Awards

Arizona Humanities honors individuals, organizations, or businesses for their contribution to and advancement of the humanities.

Humanities Public Scholar – Dan Shilling Award Recipients

  • 2023 – Anita Huizar-Hernández, Ph.D.
  • 2022 – Ricardo Guthrie, Ph.D. 
  • 2021 – Michael Brescia, Ph.D.
  • 2020 – Paul Hirt, Ph.D.
  • 2019 – Natalie Diaz
  • 2019 – Joan McGregor
  • 2018 – Liz Warren
  • 2017 – James Blasingame, Ph.D.
  • 2015 – Alberto Álvaro Ríos
  • 2015 – Paul Espinosa, Ph.D.
  • 2014 – David William Foster, Ph.D.
  • 2013 – Gloria H. Cuádraz, Ph.D.
  • 2012 – Nancy Dallet
  • 2012 – Elena Diaz Bjorkquist
  • 2010 – Celestino Fernández
  • 2009 – Charles Tatum, Ph.D.
  • 2007 – Karen J. Leong, Ph.D.
  • 2006 – Laura Tohe, Ph.D.
  • 2005 – Matthew Whitaker, Ph.D.
  • 2004 – Mary Melcher, Ph.D.
  • 2003 – Judy Nolte Temple, Ph.D.
  • 2002 – Elizabeth Larson-Keagy, Ph.D.
  • 2001 – Neal A. Lester, Ph.D.
  • 2000 – Patricia Preciado Martin
  • 1999 – Peter Iverson, Ph.D.
  • 1998 – L. Chris Smith, Ph.D.
  • 1996 – Joann Kealiinohomoku, Ph.D.
  • 1995 – Christine Marin, Ph.D.
  • 1994 – Jay Cravath, Ph.D.
  • 1993 – Robert Trennert, Ph.D.
  • 1992 – James Griffith, Ph.D.
  • 1991 – Mary L. Rothschild, Ph.D.
  • 1990 – James Byrkit, Ph.D.

Friend of the Humanities – Juliana Yoder Award Recipients

  • 2023 – Sandy Chan
  • 2022 – Jean Baxter
  • 2021 – Christine Marin, Ph.D.
  • 2020 – J.J. Lamb
  • 2020 – Aguila Youth Leadership Institute
  • 2019 – Kevin Schindler
  • 2018 – Almira Poudrier, Ph.D.
  • 2017 – Barbara Hatch
  • 2015 – Michael Vincent, Ph.D.
  • 2014 – Project Humanities, Arizona State University
  • 2013 – Gail Browne
  • 2013 – Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation
  • 2012 – Arizona Town Hall
  • 2010 – William Fry, Ph.D.
  • 2009 – Winifred Bundy, Singing Wind Bookshop
  • 2007 – Changing Hands Bookstore
  • 2006 – Arizona Office of Tourism
  • 2005 – James R. Carruthers, Ed.D.
  • 2004 – Noel Stowe, Ph.D.
  • 2003 – KAET-TV, Channel 8
  • 2002 – Salt River Project
  • 2001 – Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records
  • 2000 – The Arizona Republic and Jack W. Whiteman (posthumous award)
  • 1999 – Arizona State Representative Carolyn Allen and United States Congressman Jim Kolbe
  • 1998 – Elsa Paine Mulhern

Humanities Rising Star Award Recipients

  • 2023 – Stephanie Joyner
  • 2022 – Amber McCrary
  • 2021 – Paul Alan Taliercio
  • 2020 – Rosaura Magaña
  • 2019 – Rachel Egboro
  • 2018 – Dagoberto Bailon
  • 2017 – Nancy Liliana Godoy
  • 2015 – Rivka Rocchio
  • 2014 – Tyler Wayne Vertrees
  • 2013 – Myrlin Hepworth
  • 2013 – Jaclyn Roessel

K-12 Humanities Educator Award Recipients

  • 2023 – Ginette Rossi

Outstanding Speaker Award Recipients 

  • 2022 – Rosemarie Dombrowski, Ph.D.
  • 2021 – Akua Duku Anokye, Ph.D.
  • 2021 – Zarco Guerrero 

Outstanding Supporter Award Recipients 

  • 2023 – Eshé N. Pickett
  • 2022 – Janice Klein
  • 2021 – James and Judith Walsh
  • 2020 – Judith Hardes
  • 2019 – Rodo Sofranac
  • 2018 – The Shackelford Family

Founder’s Community Partner Award  Recipients

  • 2023 – Rising Youth Theatre
  • 2022 – Arizona Jewish Historical Society 
  • 2021 – Thomas J. Davis, Ph.D., J.D.
  • 2020 – Karen O’Keefe
  • 2019 – Morning Star Leaders, Inc. Megan LaRose, Debbie Nez-Manuel, Royce Manuel
  • 2018 – Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Distinguished Organizations

In prior years, Arizona Humanities recognized community organizations that had demonstrated outstanding commitment to lifelong learning through their enduring relationship with us. The following organizations were so honored:

  • 2007 – Pima County Library
  • 2006 – Phoenix Burton Barr Central Library
  • 2005 – Museum Association of Arizona
  • 2004 – Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott
  • 2003 – Hassayampa Institute for Creative Writing at Yavapai College
  • 2002 – Center for Desert Archaeology, Tucson
  • 2001 – Historic Sahuaro Ranch Foundation, Glendale
  • 2000 – Parker Public Library
  • 1999 – Arizona Historical Society, Southern Arizona Division
  • 1998 – Scottsdale Cultural Council
  • 1996 – Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
  • 1995 – Arizona State Museum
  • 1994 – The Heard Museum
  • 1993 – Yuma County Library District
  • 1992 – Mohave Museum of History and Arts
  • 1991 – Casa Grande Valley Historical Society Museum
  • 1990 – Glendale Public Library, Apache Junction Public Library (co-recipients)

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