OFFICERS
President
Alaina DeLeo
Major: Global & International Studies (GIST), Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies (REES)
Graduation year: 2020
Background Info: Всем привет! My name is Alaina and I am running for President. I am a GIST and REES major and SLAV minor in my Junior year. I love dancing, cooking, hiking, sports, and of course the Russian language. I spent a summer in Moldova with the NSLI-Y program and lived for 11 months in Irkutsk, Siberia where I learned and improved my Russian. My interests are Central Asia and the Caucuses and I would love to incorporate these regions into some events. I was a part of Russian club freshman year before I went overseas and was a part of the choir, sports team, and debate team in Russia. I love impulsive activities, thrilling sports, and hanging out with friends. I would love to make the SEEES Club a place to chill with friends, eat, and learn about a unique part of the world! I look forward to meeting you this year!)))
Why she is interested in the position: I am running for President of SEEES Club for several reasons. I have extensive experience abroad and can therefore bring invaluable insight and ideas. I have served as President of other organizations in the past and am familiar with the duties required. I am a strong writer, organizer, speaker, and above all a leader. This year I want to focus on planning hands-on and interactive events such as dance workshops, art, cooking, modern music/Russian slang, and more! Another focus will be funding. I have experience planning fundraisers and have many ideas on how to obtain departmental funding. I always delegate jobs and think group participation is of the utmost importance. I am always respectful and will make sure every idea is heard. As President I will always stay ahead and make sure our ideas are implemented. Throughout this year I plan to grow the SEEES club with the other officers and make it a fun, inclusive environment for people both within and outside of the Russian department.
Ideas for this year: -Dance workshop -Cooking class -Movie night -Learning Russian slang (modern) -A Russian music themed night, focusing on modern music and different styles, maybe also combined with food. People bring a dish that represents "home" -Russian Pysanky (of course!) -Russian art projects -speaker -Russian fashion and/or tradition clothes -Fun superstitions, idioms, and cultural norms -Central asian night (regional nights--focused on different Russian/CIS states and regions) -Scavenger hunt?
Vice-President
Spencer Miles
Major: Global & International Studies
Graduation year: 2022
Background Info: I am a freshman here at KU. I am from Colorado Springs, CO. I am a GIST major but a Russian Minor. My best friend is Russian and has told me so much interesting history about Russia that I had to experience it myself.
Why he is interested in the position: I went to a Russian Table meeting at Wheatfield's for tea, and was convinced by one of the graduate teaching assistants to apply. I feel I could do a lot for this club. I was both the Spanish Club president at my high school, as well as the Set Crew Chief for the theater program, so I have a lot of experience in leadership positions relating to international clubs.
Ideas for this year: I would like to hold many events that would get members comfortable in the club by getting to bond with members, by means of participating in activities related to SEEES. For example, we could have everyone gather around one day and play the Russian card game, durak, while everyone gets to know each other. Then the next time we could play a game from a different region. Also, we could host many fundraisers/charitable events. For example, we could make Borsch and then go out to Wescoe Beach and sell it during lunch one day. Then we could give the proceeds to the Cultural Initiatives Foundation, which is a charitable foundation that encourages cultural awareness. As president, I would like to make everyone in Lawrence aware of the SEEES club and how important the cultures of all countries in the Slavic region, Eastern Europe, and the Euroasian region really are.
Communications Director
Daya Chimakadze
Major: Organization Communications
Graduation year: 2021
Background Info: I have a deep passion for SEEES because my father is from the republic of Georgia and my grandmother was a Russian professor at the University of Tbilisi. These countries have always interested me, and I feel like I have a good understanding of these cultures and the languages.
Why he is interested in the position: I'm running because I believe that being an officer of a club will improve my leadership skills, it will also help me give back to the REEES community here at KU. I'm also interested in seeing what all I will be able to contribute to this club.
Ideas for this year: I have many ideas. I know how to make "Aladtsiki and Blini" which are two versions of East European pancakes, and I'm excited to be able to share the food I know and love with other people who might be interested in trying new things.
Logistics Coordinator
Alec Feather
Major: Political Science
Graduation year: 2019
Background Info: I am pursuing a CREES Minor. I have completed beginning and intermediate Russian language courses. I enjoy Russian culture, music, and literature. I am also interested in Russian politics (both domestic and international) where it connects with my Major. For these reasons, I am interested in supporting the SEEES Club.
Why he is interested in the position: I think that I have experience which will equip me for the position of logistics coordinator. I have worked for more than a year at the Dole Institute of Politics as the Events Student Assistant. Consequently, I have experience assisting with professional events. I also want to see the SEEES Club thrive in the coming year!
Ideas for this year: I would love to continue the Pysanky Workshop! I would also encourage some smaller events like movie nights or book talks. Doing small events every month would help to form a tight-knit community around Russian/Eastern European culture!