Contact:	Rudolfo Anaya 505-898-2207 Carolyn Gonzales 505-277-5920
April 23, 2002 RUDOLFO ANAYA RECEIVES NATIONAL MEDAL OF ARTS University of New Mexico Professor Emeritus Rudolfo Anaya received a National Medal of Arts from President George Bush recently. He was one of eight Americans receiving the award at Constitution Hall. Author of "Bless Me, Ultima," Anaya received the award for "exceptional contribution to contemporary American literature that has brought national recognition to the traditions of the Chicano people, and for his efforts to promote Hispanic writers." This is not Anaya's first time in the company of a United States president. In 1980, he was invited by President Jimmy Carter to read at the White House in a Salute to American Poets and Writers. Anaya, professor of English from 1974 until his retirement in 1993, has received many honors and awards through the years. He received the Premio Quinto Sol, a national literary award, the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence and Achievement in Literature, the Mexican Medal of Friendship from the Mexican Consulate, a UNM Regents Professorship and the Regents Meritorious Service Medal. Anaya also authored novels "Alburquerque," Tortuga," "Zia Summer" and a number of anthologies, epic poems, travel journals, children's stories and articles. Among those also being honored were Yo-Yo Ma, Johnny Cash and Kirk Douglas. # # #

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981