Date: 08/09/2004

The Center for Steinbeck Studies at San José State University has named actor and director Sean Penn the recipient of its 2004 John Steinbeck Award, "in the souls of the people." The center presents awards to artists and activists whose works exemplify values found in the writings of Steinbeck, who was known for his commitment to the common people and for his critiques of the contrasts between the powerful and the poor. According to Susan Shillinglaw, director of the center, "Penn is an extraordinary actor (and director) whose activist career has reflected the concerns of the common man." The award will be presented to Penn at a "Sean Penn in Conversation with Peter Coyote" benefit event, on Friday, Sept. 10, in San Francisco. For tickets, see http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/7724/.