The Robert A. Rothstein Prize is given annually to one or more undergraduate students who have excelled in the Russian, Eurasian, and Polish Studies (REPS) Program. Eligible students should demonstrate a sustained commitment to coursework, language acquisition, or cultural activities in the Program.
Presley Forrest
Presley Forrest lived for most of her life in Ukraine before coming to UMass. Throughout her time at UMass she has been deeply involved in student affairs and is currently on the university’s competitive debate team. She is also the president and founder of the Ukrainian club at UMass that has fundraised over $2,000 for various Ukrainian charities. She has a deep passion for history, politics, and languages. The war in Ukraine increased her commitment to utilize her knowledge of Slavic languages, politics and culture to work in government, international relations or intelligence in order to fight for justice for Ukraine.
Victoria Haskins
Victoria Haskins is an undergraduate student at UMass Amherst majoring in sustainable community development with a concentration in climate change and green infrastructure. She grew up in Southborough, Massachusetts as a Polish heritage speaker and Polish-American dual citizen, which inspired her to pursue a minor in Russian, Eurasian, and Polish Studies. She is also expecting to minor in environmental science and complete an undergraduate certificate in public policy with a focus on urban environmental policy. After she graduates, she will pursue postgraduate education abroad in Europe studying urban planning and sustainability.
Congratulations to both of our winners!