SCAD Founder Recognized for Contributions to Education and the Arts
SCAD founder and president Paula Wallace was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Joe Biden during a private ceremony at the White House. The medal, the second-highest civilian award in the United States, honors individuals who have made significant contributions through service to their country or fellow citizens.
Wallace expressed her gratitude in a statement, describing her reaction as “a state of joyous wonder” at receiving the medal. She highlighted the significance of the moment, saying, “Words fail to convey how deeply touched I am by this tremendous honor from President Biden and how profoundly humbled it felt to sit alongside the other honorees: innovators and pioneers of medicine and healthcare, lifelong public servants, and dauntless civil rights champions.”
The selection process for the medal is led personally by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Wallace emphasized the respect shown to all recipients, noting that the event celebrated their collective achievements.
Reflecting on her recognition, Wallace attributed the honor to her lifelong efforts in building SCAD. “For most of our nation’s history, a place like SCAD couldn’t and didn’t exist,” she said. “Like everything enduring and good in the United States, we had to build this dream through endless hard work and unfailing hope.”
Founded in 1978, SCAD has evolved into a leading institution for creative education, with Wallace at the helm. President Biden, in his remarks, acknowledged SCAD’s impact as “kindling new flames of imagination.” Wallace added, “For the 47 years since, I’ve devoted every fiber of my being teaching brilliant creative entrepreneurs and makers to stride across the bridge between inventive passion and lifelong profession with aplomb.”
Wallace also credited her success to the collective efforts of SCAD faculty, staff, and students. “I haven’t done that work alone, serving hand-in-hand with thousands of SCAD leaders, professors, and others who understand the transformative work of launching creative professions for more than 80,000 alumni and students of SCAD,” she said.
In honoring Wallace’s achievements, the White House released a statement describing her as a “lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts.” It recognized her vision in founding SCAD and her role in guiding countless students into creative industries. Wallace dedicated the award to the SCAD community, saying, “I’m bringing this medal home for them, for all of SCAD, because the honor belongs to every Bee who shares my dream.”
The ceremony, which included other honorees from various fields, concluded with a reception attended by recipients’ families and friends.
