Established by the late Stuart D. Gross and his wife, Vernice, the Gross Award for Literature is administered by SVSU. The award includes a $1,000 prize. Employed for many years as a journalist with The Saginaw News, Gross joined the SVSU staff in the school’s early years and served in a variety of public affairs roles. He was recognized as a regional historian and published several books. Among his writings are “Saginaw: A History of the Land and City,” “When Timber was King,” and “Where There is a Will.” Following his retirement from SVSU, Gross wrote and produced a play, “Let’s Have Lunch Sometime.” He died in 1996; Mrs. Gross in 2001.
The Stuart D. and Vernice M. Gross Award for Literature is accorded to published works in regional history or historical fiction/drama. Preference is given to Michigan subject matter or strong Michigan connections on the part of the author.
The Stuart D. and Vernice M. Gross Award for Literature in Historical Fiction/Drama
2005 – Christopher Paul Curtis (Bucking the Sarge)
2007 – Liesel Litzenburger (The Widower)
2010 – Bonnie Jo Campell (American Salvage)
2012 – Jeff Vande Zande (American Poet: A Novel)
2013 -- Laura Kasischke (The Raising)