Marc Louria ‘76 (CCS Literature) Makes a Gift to Name First-ever 2025 CCS Spectrum Awards
Awards provide cash prizes to 3 contributors in Spectrum Literary Journal volume 68, Spring 2025
“It’s gratifying to be able to support other writers embarking on their own creative journeys.”
—Marc Louria ‘76 (CCS Literature)
The College of Creative Studies (CCS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is grateful to Marc Louria ‘76 (CCS Literature) for his generosity to give back to its Writing & Literature (W&L) program, specifically, in support of the Spectrum Literary Journal, the longest running literary magazine in the University of California system. Marc’s gift names three 2025 CCS Spectrum Awards that come with a cash prize to each of the writers for their winning entries. These three winning entries were selected for their dynamic and compelling work by the Spectrum student editorial staff and will be published in Spectrum volume 68, Spring 2025.
In conversation with Marc, he emphasized that his intent was to make a meaningful contribution by supporting cash prizes to a select group of Spectrum contributors. He noted: “As a former editor of Spectrum, I know there is nothing more rewarding for writers and artists than to learn that their creative work has financial value and can be the source of great treasure, literally and figuratively.” In making his donation, he hopes to provide inspiration to others to support Spectrum and future aspiring writers.
“Marc cares deeply about creators and the power of story and was so excited to find a way to give back to a new generation through CCS. Thank you, Marc, for supporting writers as well as having the confidence in our Spectrum editorial staff to find some truly outstanding works to recognize!”
—Timothy Sherwood, Dean, College of Creative Studies
Now in its 68th volume, the journal seeks to publish a spectrum of voices, genres, and topics in each issue that encompass a wide range of human experiences. Experiential learning is at the heart of student learning at CCS, and Spectrum provides W&L students with a unique opportunity to be involved in every aspect of its publication.
Spectrum is led by an editorial staff of CCS W&L students:
Amitha Bhat ‘25 (CCS W&L), Editor-in-Chief
Caitlyn Lee ‘26 (CCS W&L), Managing Editor
Sam Healey ‘26 (CCS W&L), Marketing and Communications Editor
Maggie Ugarte ‘26 (CCS W&L), Web and Social Media Editor
The student editorial staff is guided by a dedicated W&L faculty advisor, currently Rebecca Brown.
“We extend a sincere thank you to Marc Louria for his generosity. We are immensely grateful to have the support of this CCS Literature alumnus who is invested in supporting the contributors that make Spectrum Literary Journal possible.”
—Spectrum Volume 68 Editorial Staff
Introducing 2025 CCS Spectrum Awards
Oana Nicola for the poems "AS I RECALL," "HONEYCOMBING,” and "MODES OF PERFORMANCE.”
Qiang Meng for the poem "DRIVING THROUGH GEORGIA."
"JENNIFER" artwork (pen on paper) by Beau Strickland ‘27 (CCS Art).
Marc reflected on the winning entries: “The poems chosen for the awards were lyrically incisive, inventive, and emotionally striking. I enjoyed reading them. Beau Strickland’s “JENNIFER” stood out for its layered beauty, and I found myself returning often to contemplate this compelling art piece.”
The College of Creative Studies is grateful to its philanthropic community—including Marc—for providing the means to support hands-on learning for the next generation of creators, researchers, and leaders.