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Where Writers Meet: Rancho Mirage Writers Festival

Four exceptional individuals from the University of 91��Ƶ Fairbanks College of Liberal Arts—Assistant Professor Mary Ludwig and students Matia Wartes, Manny Melendez, and Jake Knuth—were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants to attend the prestigious Rancho Mirage Writers Festival in February 2025. This honor, made possible by a generous donor, underscores the remarkable talent within CLA and the exciting opportunities available to its community.

Known as “Coachella for the brain,” the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is a premier gathering of some of the most celebrated authors and thinkers of our time. Since its founding in 2014 by Jamie Kabler, the festival has drawn renowned speakers such as Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Hosted at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory in California, the sold-out event attracts 60 acclaimed writers and 1,000 eager readers each year for three days of dynamic discussions on politics, history, humor, health, and literature.

Mary Ludwig, an Assistant Professor in the UAF History Department, sees the festival as a unique chance to engage with historians and journalists whose works have shaped her teaching. “I am particularly excited about meeting Brands,” she shares, “because the UAF History Department in concert with the 91��Ƶ Historical Society will host a visit by Brands in Fairbanks this upcoming March.” She also hopes to bring back ideas to enrich her teaching and departmental initiatives. “I hope to utilize the ideas that are shared at the conference in my classes,” she adds. “I also hope that the inclusion of the America250 Initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will offer opportunities for the UAF History Department to play a role in recognizing this milestone for American history and possibly develop some public history presentations.”

For Matia Wartes, a double major in Anthropology and Linguistics with a minor in Inupiaq language, the festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect her academic studies with creative storytelling. “Attending the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is a fantastic opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of the creative process, especially how authors draw on language and culture to shape their stories,” she explains. “I’m excited to explore how writers incorporate cultural perspectives, language nuances, and social contexts into their work.” she shares. “I’m really excited to see Rick Steves! I grew up traveling often, and his videos were a huge source of inspiration. They sparked my love for exploring authentic, local experiences, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to hear him speak in person.

Manny Melendez, an MFA student in Poetry and Editor-in-Chief of Permafrost and The Sun Star, anticipates drawing creative inspiration from the festival’s diverse lineup. Reflecting on his past experiences at similar events, he says, “I’ve attended two AWP conferences, each providing incredible creativity, a hunger to further myself as an artist, and even the fervor I needed to write poems for (and not for) my MFA manuscript. Isn’t that an ideal result of attending conferences such as these?” Looking ahead, Manny hopes to use the festival as a platform to grow both creatively and professionally. “Frankly, it can also be a chance to network and show myself as part of this world I am working to enter,” he shares. “I know my value and intend to work hard to ensure it’s visible to as much of the world as I have time for in this life.”

Jake Knuth, a recent MFA graduate in English and a dedicated student of the Yup’ik language, brings a unique perspective that aligns with the festival’s celebration of diverse voices. As he continues to explore the intersections of language, culture, and storytelling, this opportunity will undoubtedly enrich his creative and intellectual pursuits.

The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival represents a transformative experience for these attendees, offering unparalleled access to literary giants, thought-provoking discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities.

The College of Liberal Arts extends heartfelt gratitude to the donor whose generosity made this remarkable experience possible. Opportunities like these not only enrich the lives of students and faculty but also strengthen our community by opening doors to extraordinary resources and inspiration. If this story inspires you to help create opportunities like this, consider contributing today to make a difference.