Get Recognized for a Lifetime
The list of accolades garnered by Mary Washington alumni is extensive. Alumni have been recognized for years for their professional and personal achievements, ranging from national awards to community impact. Susan Wagner Lacy has been recognized by her peers throughout her lifetime with Emmys, Grammys, Peabodys, and more.
As creator of the award-winning biographical PBS series American Masters, Susan Wagner Lacy has spent more than two decades honoring the outstanding artists who have helped define culture in this country. Earlier this year, Lacy was recognized for her own cultural contributions, when she was presented a Women in Vision Award by Women in Film & Video (WIFV).
The nonprofit group, which works to advance the professional development of women who work in film, television, video, multimedia, and related disciplines, presented the award to Lacy at a gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. The event was designed to honor women who embody the theme “Inspire, Mentor, Teach, & Learn.” Also recognized were actress and activist Patty Duke, documentary filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, and producer Linda Maslow.
“These visionary women have all led and made enormous contributions to shape the industry and the world,” said Felicia Barlow, president of WIFV’s D.C. chapter.
Now in its 22nd season, American Masters tells the stories of artists who have left enormous impressions on the American cultural landscape. Among many others, the broadcasts have featured the great jazz musician Duke Ellington, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, celebrated popular musician Bob Dylan, Peanuts cartoon creator Charles Schultz, and the prolific novelist and journalist Norman Mailer.
Lacy has produced more than 150 documentary biographies and won a multitude of awards – including Emmys, Grammys, and Peabodys – since launching the television shows in 1986.
“A combination of things led to my vision for the series,” the American Masters website quotes her as saying. “Part of it was my own academic background … I’ve always been interested in looking at American culture in its broadest context.”
The show was awarded the primetime Emmy for Outstanding Nonfiction Series five out of six years, from 1999 through 2004. Lacy also has received numerous additional Emmy nominations and three Oscar nominations.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in American studies in 1970, she went on to receive her master’s degree from George Washington University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Long Island University in 1994.
In 1996, Lacy was named UMW Alumnus of the Year, and in 2005, she was among 50 women recognized for their exceptional accomplishments at the Museum of Television & Radio’s “She Made It” event.