Literati Award
Robert Wilonsky
Friends of SMU Libraries is proud to announce Robert Wilonsky, editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News, as the 2026 Literati Award recipient.
Robert Wilonsky, a Dallas native (and son of an SMU Mustang), has spent 30 years in Dallas journalism -- at the Dallas Times Herald, the Dallas Observer and The Dallas Morning News, covering Dallas with depth, curiosity and commitment. Currently serving as The Dallas Morning News editorial columnist, Wilonsky is renowned for chronicling the people, places, and politics that shaped Dallas with his signature wit and insight. He previously served as Vice President of Public Relations and Communications at Heritage Auctions where he played a key role in shaping the company’s storytelling and public engagement. Occasionally he thinks about running for the Dallas City Council, at least until he comes to his senses.
The Literati Award honors individuals who have used the written word to advance the ideals of creativity, conviction, innovation and scholarship and who have had a significant impact on culture and the community through their work. This award was created by the Friends of the SMU Libraries in 2010 and was established in honor of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the organization to celebrate the power of the written word and to recognize significant achievements in creativity.
Past Recipients
- Jim Hart ’69 (2010)
- Laura Bush ’68 (2011)
- Marsh Terry ’53, ’54 (2012)
- Lee Cullum ’61 (2013)
- Kay Bailey Hutchison (2014)
- Willard Spiegelman (2015)
- Darwin Payne ’68 (2016)
- Rena Pederson (2017)
- Skip Hollandsworth (2018)
- Jim Lehrer (2019)
- Laura Wilson (2021)
- Adrian Miller (2022)
- Jerrie Marcus Smith (2023)
- Norm Hitzges (2024)
- Dr. Bonnie Wheeler (2025)