Robert Rothstein Prize

The Robert A. Rothstein Prize Fund has been established in honor of Professor Robert Rothstein, who directed the Russian, Eurasian, and Polish Studies Program at UMass Amherst and also held the Amesbury Professorship in Polish Language, Literature and Culture. Over his tenure, Professor Rothstein educated generations of students; he taught Russian, Polish, and Yiddish as well as numerous courses in folklore and linguistics. He built ties with the local communities, and instilled a love of languages and cultures on- and off-campus.

 Eligibility

The Robert A. Rothstein Prize is given annually to one or more undergraduate students who have excelled in the Russian, Eurasian, and Polish Studies Program. Eligible students should demonstrate a sustained commitment to coursework, language acquisition, or cultural activities in the Program.   

Award Selection

Students will submit an application for the prize in the Spring semester, which will include a 500-word essay on their academic or cultural contributions to the program. Students are encouraged to submit a written paper, portfolio, or other materials to support their application. Selection of the annual winner(s) will be made by the REPS steering committee by the end of the semester.

About the Major

The program in Russian, Eurasian & Polish Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of a large and important portion of the world: Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. The historic events that have occurred in the region since the 1980s and continue today make it crucial that Americans remain informed about all aspects of life in the region. The rapid change and increased contacts with people in the region impel us to continue to work harmoniously with these countries and communicate with the inhabitants of the region in their languages rather than ours.