Pauline Yu Honored with National Humanities Medal

Pauline Yu, Director's Visitor (2014), Trustee of the Institute for Advanced Study, and prominent scholar of Chinese literature, was officially presented with a 2022 National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden in a private ceremony held at the White House on Monday, October 21, 2024.

The National Humanities Medal is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government. It is presented to an individual or an organization whose work has "deepened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, broadened citizens’ engagement with history or literature, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to cultural resources."

In a profile published on the National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) website to celebrate her receipt of the Medal, Yu was described as exemplifying "an omnivorousness and affection for language and culture." Her passion for "the cultural intersections that the humanities explore" was also highlighted. 

Yu is an established expert on classical Chinese poetry, both as a translator and a critic. Her academic career began with a book about the poet Wang Wei, released in 1980. Since then, she has authored numerous scholarly works, including, most recently, an analysis of "Le livre de jade" (The Book of Jade). 

In addition to praising her scholarly work, the NEH also lauded Yu's advocacy for the humanities, in particular her time as President of the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), an association of humanities organizations that promotes the discipline and administers grants to scholars. During her presidency, Yu significantly expanded the Council’s program and resources: the total sum awarded in fellowships and grants tripled, the ACLS endowment grew by 110 percent, and new philanthropic partnerships were formed. Yu was appointed as an IAS Trustee in 2021, bringing broad expertise and creativity to the Board.

Read more about Yu and the other medallists on the NEH website.