Trojans resurrect the Russian Club

Troy has many organizations and clubs on its campus, but one club has been lost in the shadows for the past five years.  

Tommy Norris, current president of the Russian Club, became the catalyst for the club’s resurgence on campus, along with Jason Lenentine, serving as vice president and Marta Gateva serving as secretary, treasurer and public affairs officer.  

“I’m the one who pushed to get all the paperwork done and make the Russian Club official again,” said Tommy Norris, a senior political science major and current Russian Club president from Millbrook, Alabama. “I do want to say that the current Russian Club advisor, Dr. Kobeleva, is the person who really supported me in my interest to restart the Russian Club.”  

Dr. Kobeleva, professor of English and instructor of Russian in the College of Arts and Humanities, has replaced Dr. Slobodchokoff as the advisor for the returning Russian Club.  

Norris and other members of the Russian Club have been surprised by the turnout and interest from students in not only the club itself but the culture and history of Eastern Eurasian countries.  

“The role that I hope the Russian Club will play on campus moving forward might change as both the club and myself, and the people supporting it grow,” Norris said. “However, my current vision for the Russian Club’s role on campus is split into three parts: connection, learning and appreciation.”  

Members of the Russian Club are hopeful and eager to foster a positive and interactive approach to learning Russian language, culture, politics and to establish a club of students who show an appreciation for Eurasian traditions.  

Joining the club was made easier for students because a graphic design company called Vegas Solutions created a website for the club/ Now, =students can simply scan a QR code to join.  

“I’m happy to say that the Russian club already has a larger than expected population of passionate and loyal members, so as more members come in, the current members and I can continue to build a system and culture that will guarantee the Russian Club as a permanent organization within Troy,” Norris said.  

For those who have an interest in Russian culture and want to become a member of the Russian Club at Troy, email Tommy Norris at tnorris224788@troy.edu or find the club on Instagram @troy_russian_club.