UMN Students of Russian Participate in First Minnesota Undergraduate Olympiada of Spoken Russian
On April 11th, 2026, students of Russian from the department of German, Nordic, Slavic and Dutch (GNSD) participated in the first Minnesota Undergraduate Olympiada of Spoken Russian at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
Over 30 students from five institutions (University of Minnesota, St. Olaf College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Macalester College, and Carleton College) came together for a three-part speaking competition (conversation, poetry recital, and topic presentation), a delicious Russian lunch, and a talent show. Nadya Clayton, Erik McDonald, and Irina Zaykovskaya represented the UMN Russian department. Professors McDonald and Zaykovskaya also served as judges.
Ten first- and second-year UMN students participated and two won Silver in their respective year categories (Taha Alnasser and Silas Buryak). Hannah Kiresuk also won the hearts of the judges during the talent show for her hand-made brochure with a story she wrote and illustrated. The brochure was inspired by readings from Professor Clayton's class. Silas Buryak assisted Hannah in presenting her story on stage. Every participating student recieved a beautiful art album from The Museum of Russian Art!
Student participants: Taha Alnasser, Sophia Browers, Hagan Burnett, Wyatt Candella, Travis Kiefer, Jacob Marvets, Shay Ungerer (1st year). Silas Buryak, Hannah Kiresuk, Annika Pullen (2nd year).
