Five Hamilton students participated in the 10th annual Upstate New York Russian Language “Olympics,” held at Union College on April 9. Caroline Epstein, Erin Sullivan, Linda Zhang, Peter Wheelwright (all ’13), and Tara Collins ’11, joined undergraduates from the host institution as well as Hobart-William Smith, Binghamton University, The University at Albany and the United States Military Academy at West Point for a friendly competition in various Russian language activities.
The students were tested in four areas: recitation from memory of a poem; a short extemporaneous speech on their interests and background together with follow-up questions; a written exam; and a sight reading. Professors from the six institutions served as judges, and all students received prizes at a luncheon, which concluded the event. The goal of the gathering is to provide Russian language students opportunities to interact; for example, many of the participants are considering study abroad for their junior year, and the event helps them to establish friendships with peers who may be joining them in Russia. Hamilton will host the event next year.
