Community at heart of Ukrainian Studies at STM College, students hear
Annual student reception highlights opportunities for scholarly growth, social connection
By Paul Sinkewicz
Dr. Nadya Foty-Oneschuk threatened to stuff leftover food into the pockets of her students if they didn’t eat enough at the annual Ukrainian Studies Reception last week.
That’s because while Nadya has the mind of a scholar, and the soul of a patriot, she also has the heart of a baba from the old country.
That warmth is an example of the strength of the connection between Ukraine and Saskatchewan. The history of both places are inextricably linked by generations of families who settled on the Canadian Prairies, adding their customs and culture to the fabric of Canada.
The annual reception was attended by 25 enthusiastic Ukrainian studies students and was co-hosted by the Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage (PCUH) and the office of the Dean of St. Thomas More College (STM) on Thursday, October 1.
The annual event gives young scholars of Ukrainian language, history and heritage the chance to meet each other and get a sense of the opportunities available to them.
Foty-Oneschuk is an STM professor of Ukrainian studies, and the Director of the PCUH. She is also the newly appointed Lesya Ukrainka Chair.
She thanked the students for their interest in learning about Ukraine and spoke about the need to continue to raise awareness about the struggles the country is currently undergoing in its war with Russia.
Dr. Sarah Knudson, Dean of STM, touted the entire STM experience in her message to the students.
“Thank you for choosing STM as a place where you're taking courses, and hopefully you'll find it, in a bigger way, to be a good social home and hub for special events as well.”
Foty-Oneschuk noted that in addition to the language courses available, STM also offers many culture courses which allow a student to study and apply Ukrainian themes in other disciplines and areas.
In addition to adding to your degree, these courses can also be applied to completing a Certificate in Ukrainian Studies.
“Any certificate that you pursue on this campus shows up as a specialization area on your transcript,” said Foty-Onecschuk. “And it goes without saying that it makes you look like a more well-rounded candidate for future jobs, for future academic programs if you have a specialization or two under your name.”
“So, it may seem like it's a far cry from something that might be useful for you, but especially in today's world, having a specialization in this area will benefit you for sure.”
Students also heard about the scholarships and bursaries available to Ukrainian Studies students at STM, the many activities of PCUH in the community and the scholarly work it supports, as well as the social opportunities afforded by joining the University of Saskatchewan Ukrainian Students’ Association (USUSA).
USUSA events each year include an annual Holodomor Vigil in November, bake sales, pub nights and other social evenings, workshops, caroling in January and a semi-formal event in February.
“You get to meet people outside of your bubble, which is maybe one of the best things,” said Foty-Oneschuk. “There have been many lifelong friendships that have come out of membership in this club. And again - just a bit of life advice - it looks good on your CV to have membership in a student organization. It shows that you can balance things in life, even if that's not maybe perfectly true. It paints you to be a well-rounded individual.”
Foty-Oneschuk closed the presentation with warm words of welcome to a tight-knit community that is always open to more members.
“We're just happy that you are part of this community. We are very much a community that sticks together on campus. As many of you know, you don't have to be Ukrainian to be part of this community. We're grateful for your efforts and curiosity and dedication. Thank you for coming.”
“Now, make sure you fill your pockets or else I will pull a Baba and stuff food in your pockets. Don't think I won't!”
Certificate in Ukrainian Studies
