Each year, the Russian Program at Tulane University recognizes outstanding student achievement through two major awards presented during the Senior Awards Ceremony:
- Award for Excellence in Russian Studies
Given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and intellectual engagement with Russian language, literature, history, and culture. - Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Awarded to students who have shown outstanding progress, dedication, and accomplishment in Russian language study.
Recent Award Recipients
2025 Senior Awards Ceremony
Aubrey Augustine – Award for Excellence in Russian Studies
Graduating with a dual degree in Physics and Russian, Aubrey Augustine has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the study of Russian language and culture. Consistently attentive, intellectually curious, and deeply engaged, Aubrey brought both rigor and enthusiasm to her work in Russian Studies. Her sharp critical thinking, strong work ethic, and collaborative spirit greatly enriched our classroom environment. The Russian Program congratulates Aubrey and wishes her continued success.
Prof. Elio Brancaforte, Aubrey Augustine, Lindsey Cliff, and Prof. Lidia Zhigunova
Lindsey Cliff – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
A Political Science and International Relations major with a minor in Russian, Lindsey has excelled in all of her Russian courses and consistently applied her language skills to the study of Russian culture and politics. Her work reflects a deep commitment to understanding the post-Soviet space, with a focus on the relationships between Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltics, and the Caucasus.
Prof. Lidia Zhigunova and Lindsey Cliff (holding Prof. William Brumfiled’s book Journeys through the Russian Empire: The Photographic Legacy of Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky, Duke University Press, 2020)
2024 Senior Awards Ceremony
Dominic LaPata – Award for Excellence in Russian Studies
A double major in Russian and Homeland Security Studies and a Midshipman in the Tulane Naval ROTC program, Dominic will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Throughout his time at Tulane, Dominic exhibited an unwavering commitment to Russian language and the cultures of the post-Soviet space, with a strong interdisciplinary grasp of regional politics. He has successfully combined his coursework in Russian with a detailed study of contemporary politics relating the United States to the post-Soviet political and social developments in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, in the Baltics, and in the Caucasus region.
Julia Klingenstein – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Julia has consistently performed at a high level in her Russian courses, with a special emphasis on Russian and Jewish cultural studies and the architecture of St. Petersburg.
Dominic LaPata, Prof. Lidia Zhigunova, Prof. William Brumfield, and Julia Klingenstein
2023 Senior Awards Ceremony
August Henry Kidd – Award for Excellence in Russian Studies & Russian Book Prize
Graduating with a dual degree in Economics and Russian, August (Gus) Kidd has demonstrated outstanding dedication to Russian language study and cultural exploration. Always attentive and intellectually engaged, Gus brought a spirit of curiosity, rigor, and enthusiasm to every class. His sharp analytical thinking, strong work ethic, and collaborative nature consistently elevated classroom discussions and inspired his peers. The Russian Program congratulates Gus on his accomplishments and wishes him continued success in applying his skills and knowledge beyond Tulane.
Zavier Ridgley – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Triple majoring in Russian, Political Science, and International Relations, Zavier Ridgley has consistently excelled in his Russian coursework and beyond. His achievements are both impressive and inspiring, reflecting a rare combination of linguistic talent, interdisciplinary insight, and global awareness. Zavier’s commitment to Russian studies extended beyond the classroom into a broader exploration of international politics and global affairs. The Russian Program is proud to recognize Zavier’s exceptional academic contributions and celebrates his success.
2022 Senior Awards Ceremony
Kathryn Elder – Award for Excellence in Russian Studies
A dedicated and intellectually curious student, Kathryn Elder graduates with a double major in International Relations and Russian. Throughout her time in the program, Kathryn consistently demonstrated academic excellence, critical thinking, and a deep engagement with Russian language, literature, and culture. Her interdisciplinary approach and global perspective enriched classroom discussions and reflected a strong commitment to understanding the complexities of the Russian-speaking world. The Russian Program is proud to recognize Kathryn’s outstanding achievements and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.
Max Weber – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Triple majoring in Political Economy, International Relations, and Russian, Max Weber has demonstrated outstanding achievement across three demanding academic disciplines, with a deep and sustained commitment to Russian language and cultural studies. His intellectual interests extend well beyond the classroom to encompass global political developments, particularly in the post-Soviet space. Max has pursued an in-depth exploration of contemporary politics in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Caucasus, thoughtfully connecting his language study to pressing international issues. His passion for social justice and dedication to understanding the global impact of policy on democratic institutions make him a truly exceptional student and global thinker. The Russian Program is proud to honor his accomplishments with this award.
Max Weber and Prof. Lidia Zhigunova
2021 Senior Awards Ceremony
Grant Miller – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Graduating with a dual degree in Russian and Political Science, Grant Miller has demonstrated exceptional talent across multiple academic disciplines. His commitment to Russian language study extended well beyond the classroom, reflecting a sustained interest in global political dynamics. Grant successfully integrated his coursework with an in-depth exploration of U.S. relations with major world powers such as Russia and China. The Russian Program congratulates Grant on his achievements and wishes him continued success as he applies the skills and knowledge gained at Tulane.
Shalley Marshall – Russian Student Award and Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Graduating with a dual degree in Russian and Psychology, Shalley has shown remarkable dedication to all aspects of Russian language and cultural study. Consistently attentive, engaged, and intellectually curious, Shalley brought a strong commitment to learning and a vibrant enthusiasm for Russian culture. Her critical thinking skills and collaborative spirit energized the classroom and elevated class discussions. The Russian Program is proud to honor Shalley’s outstanding contributions and academic excellence.
2020 Senior Awards Ceremony
Holly Angelle Clark – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
A triple major in Russian, Linguistics, and History with a minor in Native American Studies, Holly Clark has consistently distinguished herself through her academic excellence and deep intellectual engagement. She combines her passion for languages with advocacy work on the preservation of endangered and Indigenous languages, including Kabardian (a Circassian language of the North Caucasus) and Tunica (an Indigenous language of Louisiana). In Fall 2019, Holly successfully completed the CIEE Russian Language Studies Program in St. Petersburg, further expanding her linguistic and cultural knowledge. The Russian Program is proud to recognize her outstanding achievements.
Brianna Desiree Renate Tucker – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Brianna Tucker has demonstrated exceptional dedication across a wide range of disciplines as a triple major in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Russian. She is graduating with a dual degree—a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Russian. Brianna has excelled in all her Russian courses, consistently producing high-caliber work while bridging the humanities and STEM. Her achievements are as inspiring as they are impressive, and we are honored to recognize her with this award.
Natalie Laura McCullough – Russian Student Award and Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Natalie McCullough has been a vital part of the Russian Program, known for her strong academic performance, critical thinking skills, and unwavering enthusiasm for Russian language and culture. Attentive, engaged, and intellectually curious, Natalie stood out in every course she took. As president of Tulane’s Russian Conversation Club, she brought energy and leadership to the student community, helping promote Russian beyond the classroom. The Russian Program is thrilled to honor her dedication and contributions.
2019 Senior Awards
Kathryn Cook – Award for Excellence in Russian Studies
A double major in Russian and History, Kathryn Cook distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement, intellectual rigor, and deep engagement with her studies. As a recipient of the prestigious Beinecke Scholarship, she pursued advanced language and historical coursework at St. Petersburg University. Her work consistently demonstrated critical insight, interdisciplinary thinking, and a strong commitment to understanding Russian culture, language, and history. The Russian Program is proud to honor Kathryn’s outstanding contributions and wishes her continued success in all her future endeavors.
Chad Coffman – Russian Book Prize for Achievement in Russian Language
Chad Coffman demonstrated exemplary dedication to the study of Russian language, literature, and culture throughout his time at Tulane. His passion for learning extended well beyond the classroom, as he engaged deeply with a wide range of courses that reflected his intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary interests. A thoughtful and committed student, Chad brought insight, enthusiasm, and academic rigor to every aspect of his Russian studies. As he moves on to medical school, he carries with him not only a record of academic excellence, but also a lasting foundation in Russian cultural studies. The Russian Program proudly recognizes Chad’s achievements and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.