ECU students explores Slavic cultures across America’s heartland

ADA, Okla. - East Central University students involved in the ECU Russian Program and Russian Club recently had the opportunity to explore and study Slavic culture without ever leaving America's heartland.

"We sometimes do not realize how many treasures related to various ethnic cultures we have in the United States," said Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya, Director of Global Education and the Russian Program. "The trip provided an excellent opportunity for ECU students to discover Russian and Slavic cultural sites in Oklahoma and several neighboring states. In addition to expanding the students' appreciation to cultures it also encouraged them to explore local cross-cultural connections and practices".

ECU students Olivia Hunley, Connor Rakes, Briana Grigg, Toby Pyle, Alivia Cantrell and Milana Khaikhan joined Sukholutskaya on a five-day trip across multiple states to experience rich Russian history and culture while remaining close to home.

The student itinerary included:

• The Girard History Museum and Haldeman-Julius House in Girard, Kan.
• The Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Mo. to view the spectacular Malachite Vase, a gift of the last Russian Tsar.
• The St. Panteleimon Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, Minn.
• The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) in Minneapolis, Minn.
• European Delights, an authentic Russian grocery store in Overland Park, Kan.
• St. Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church in Hartshorne, Okla.
• Various authentic Russian, Ukrainian, and Uzbek restaurants.

"From visiting the St. Panteleimon Russian Orthodox Church, to touring the Russian Art Museum, I was able to take in new valuable knowledge that both enhance my understanding of Russian life and create a stronger desire to continue my education in Russian language and culture," said Computer Science major, Toby Pyle.

"To be fully developed scholars, students, and members of society we cannot limit ourselves to one culture, society or language," added Connor Rakes, a History and English major. "By being able to experience language and culture in an up close and personal way, we students are able to become more diverse and dynamic members of society and better students. It is imperative that we are able to continue to go on these trips and interact with such memorable experiences"

Biology major, Alivia Cantrell concluded, "I believe that the experiences we all had on this trip were able to not only enhance our cultural awareness and education but also encouraged us to be social and bond with each other. The activities we had were exceptionally beneficial for people such as myself who learn well in a dynamic environment. I feel like I was able to expand my worldview and I will carry the memories of this trip very fondly in my mind."

Expenses for the trip, including lodging, food, gas and admission tickets were fully covered by the Jim Harris Travel Grant.

Cutline: Standing, Toby Pyle, Milana Khaikhan, Brianna Grigg, Olivia Hunley, Alivia Cantrell, Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya; in front, Connor Rakes

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