Aram Mrjoian Wins 2027 Gross Award for Literature
The author of the novel Waterline receives the Michigan-based literary honor for 2026-2027.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards
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Saginaw Valley State University has named author Aram Mrjoian as the recipient of the 2026-2027 Gross Award for Literature for his novel Waterline. The award recognizes the works depth of characterization and narrative technique.
Why it matters
The Gross Award honors significant contributions to literature while fostering academic engagement between writers and the university community. It highlights the importance of family resilience as a central theme in contemporary storytelling.
The Gross Award carries a $1,000 cash prize for the selected recipient. It has been presented annually since 1997.
The players
Aram Mrjoian
He is the author of the novel Waterline and the recipient of the current Gross Award for Literature.
Saginaw Valley State University
This Michigan-based public university administers the annual Gross Award for Literature.
Stuart and Vernice Gross
They established the literary award in 1994 to support authors and promote the humanities.
The details
A committee of university faculty and staff unanimously selected the novel, which is set in Grosse Ile, Michigan, for its portrayal of family resilience. The author will visit the Kochville Township campus in winter 2027 to engage with students and classes.
Timeline
Stuart and Vernice Gross established the award in 1994.
The university has presented the award annually since 1997.
The 2026-2027 academic period marks the current cycle for the award.
Aram Mrjoian will visit the university in winter 2027 to accept the honor.
Culture Shift
The award follows a pattern set by state-supported literary recognition programs that incentivize regional artistic production. It reflects an ongoing trend of universities acting as critical pillars for the preservation and promotion of local literary talent.
Students and faculty at the university will have direct access to the author during his upcoming visit in winter 2027. Local residents and readers can explore the award-winning novel to engage with the themes of family resilience in Grosse Ile.
The takeaway
Literary awards often serve as a vital bridge between professional authors and academic environments. Readers interested in contemporary fiction can find value in tracking annual award winners to discover nuanced narratives that explore regional history and family dynamics.
Further reading
For more on literary honors in the state, visit our Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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