In recognition of their “contributions to Russian democratic institutions and efforts on behalf of Russian higher education,” George Hudson, professor and chair of political science and director of Russian Area Studies, and Olga Medvedkov, professor and chair of geography, were both awarded honorary doctorates of humane letters, June 10, by the University of Russia’s Academy of Education (URAE) in Moscow.

The ceremony marked the first time that the Russian University has presented honorary degrees to anyone — Russian or non-Russian. The occasion also marked the first time that two professors have been honored by the same institution at the same time either in the United States or abroad by the first private, liberal arts university in the former Soviet Union.

URAE President Boris Mikhailovich Bim-Bad, who founded the university, presented the degrees during Hudson’s and Medvedkov’s joint one-month research trip to Moscow with 11 Wittenberg University students last month. The students were there to study the evolution of Russian civil society by interviewing members of Moscow-based grassroots organizations.

“It felt very overwhelming to become the first recipients of honorary degrees from the first Russian liberal arts university,” Medvedkov said. “The presence of our students made it particularly special.”

“It is unusual for anyone, especially foreigners, to receive an honorary doctorate from a Russian university, so I am really excited that Olga and I each received one,” Hudson added.

“To get it from such an innovative institution makes the experience even more significant for me personally. I am delighted and humbled.”