“That faculty and students from a university that has been devastated by Russian missiles and who are currently under siege demonstrate a remarkable willingness and ability to engage in the program,” expressed Sean Pollock, associate professor of history at Wright State and the primary organizer of the series.
The initial video presented on Thursday served as an introduction; however, the upcoming lectures will delve into the origins of the conflict, the motivations driving Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, and the challenges faced by numerous Ukrainian refugees. The series will continue until mid-April.
Discussing the initiative, Pollock emphasized, “The primary aim is to steer clear of political controversies and instead emphasize the endeavor to establish connections between the civil societies of America and Ukraine.”
Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, the director of the University Center for International Education, highlighted that the video discussions could offer students an opportunity to broaden their understanding of diverse cultures.
Streeter-Ferrari pointed out that students often opt for European study abroad programs, but this unique initiative could expose them to Asian, Latin American, and African cultures, providing a cultural experience for those who may lack the financial means or ability to travel overseas.
The genesis of this project can be traced back to Pollock’s involvement on the board of directors of the Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership. Pollock, a resident of Cincinnati, mentioned the partnership’s connection with Viktoria Mariniuk, a faculty member at the Ukrainian national university.
Describing the project as a pilot initiative, Pollock expressed, “We intentionally kept it small in scale. The conception occurred late in the semester, making its launch nothing short of a miracle.”
Pollock also highlighted the potential for the Ukrainian students to find a sense of normalcy through this experience.
“This platform provides a secure environment for learning and allows them to retain their student identities,” he remarked. “It offers a form of escapism, providing them with an hour dedicated to intellectual enrichment, regardless of their circumstances.”
Will Evans, a third-year history major at Wright State actively participating in the program, expressed his enthusiasm for gaining insights into the lives of those most affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Evans emphasized, “In addition to any military support we can extend to Ukraine, it is crucial for American academics to take the lead in establishing meaningful connections with our Ukrainian counterparts. I believe there is immense potential for mutual cross-cultural learning and exchange between our nations through the cultivation of these relationships.”