Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Associated Press
New York

Julie Schumacher wins Thurber Prize for American Humor

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher
'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher
Courtesy of Penguin Random House

A comic saga of a creative writing professor and his letters of recommendation has won the Thurber Prize for American Humor.

Author Julie Schumacher, a professor at the University of Minnesota, received $5,000 and a crystal plaque for winning with "Dear Committee Members." She was honored Monday at the New York comedy club Carolines on Broadway.

The two runners-up were Roz Chast for her memoir "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" and Annabelle Gurwitch for "I See You Made an Effort: Compliments, Indignities, and Survival Stories from the Edge."

No woman had won the Thurber award until this year. The award was established in 1996 and is named for the late humorist and cartoonist James Thurber.

Previous winners include Jon Stewart, David Sedaris and Calvin Trillin.