ADA, Okla. – Six East Central University students involved in ECU’s Russian Club closed out January by delivering a presentation at the Ada Public Library to discuss their Summer 2025 trip to Washington D.C.

The four-day trip focused on Slavic and Russian cultural sites and explored language, art, poetry, history and international relations. The students shared how cultural enrichment can be found domestically, highlighting museums, memorials, and other sites that showcase icons, paintings, Fabergé eggs and historically significant works connected to Russian culture.

Rafael Charqueno spoke about the Hillwood Museum, which houses the largest collection of Russian art outside of Russia. Olivia Hunley highlighted the Fabergé eggs on display. John Kelso discussed the Russian Culture Center in D.C., and Eli Grasso focused on the Monument to Alexander Pushkin, Poets’ Alley, and works by Marc Chagall. Madison Hawkins contributed a video presentation, while Zacharia Hobia handled technical support.

The students encouraged attendees to immerse themselves in world languages and cultures and consider future opportunities to participate in educational trips through ECU. All presenters are active members of the ECU and Ada communities, emphasizing that one does not need to travel overseas to encounter world-class cultural treasures.

-ECU-