University English Prof. Rita Dove, Commonwealth Professor of English, received the 2011 National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House yesterday, along with 19 other honorees.
The medal is the highest award given by the U.S. government to artists and arts patrons in recognition of their contributions to the excellence, support and availability of the arts in the United States.
"Michelle and I love this event," Obama said at the ceremony. "[It] is something we look forward to every year because it is a chance America gets to tribute men and women that have excelled in the arts and the humanities. We honor your talents, your careers and your remarkable contributions to this country that we love."
Dove served as U.S. Poet Laureate from 1993-1995 and in 1987 received a Pulitzer Prize for her literary work.
Obama spoke at the awards ceremony yesterday afternoon commending the artists for their work.
"[In] her contributions as an American poet and author,
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