Dralyuk, now a professor of English and creative writing at the University of Tulsa, earned degrees in comparative literature, Russian language and literature, and Slavic language and literature from UCLA.
Lima, who earned a master’s degree in 2008, still sometimes laughs when she says the title of her new book aloud.
As the English Department’s author in residence, the UCLA alumna is teaching an undergraduate poetry workshop.
His colleague Seiji Lippit remembered Loukota for his “pioneering work, drawing connections … that had not been seen before.”
The acclaimed writer recently earned the prestigious Whiting Award, which recognizes emerging talents with a $50,000 grant.