Anthropology Emerita Professor Sylvia Vatuk Named Recipient of the Association of Asian Studies’ 2019 for Distinguished Contributions

Sylvia Vatuk, professor emerita of anthropology, has been named the recipient of the Association of Asian Studies' 2019 award for distinguished contributions to Asian studies.

The commendation, which recognizes outstanding scholarship and service to the field, is considered the group's highest honor.

In a citation, the association credits Vatuk for pioneering "the study of urban anthropology, kinship, marriage, and old age in India, as well as the nexus between religion and law–always with an emphasis on understanding the lives of women."

Vatuk, who retired from UIC in 2002, was presented with the award last month during an awards ceremony at the association's 70th annual meeting in Denver.

Founded in 1941, the Association for Asian Studies has approximately 7,000 members worldwide representing all the regions and countries of Asia and all academic disciplines, and is a member of the American Council of Learned Societies.