Susan M. Hicks Memorial Fund
Susan M. Hicks, PhD exemplified all that one would hope for in a professional with a passion for international studies. She was endowed with a sharp intellect. She had the spirit of an educator eager to see young eyes light up with a passion similar to her own. And Susan was deeply concerned about the world and determined to make it a better place. The Susan M. Hicks Memorial Fund will help to continue Susan’s professional mission long beyond her brief tenure at Pitt’s Center for Russian, East European, and EurasianStudies (REEES) by providing financial support to students studying in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
Student Impact: Testimonials from 2019 Susan Hicks Scholarship Recipients
"Receiving the Susan Hicks Memorial Award has allowed me to be in the beautiful country of Hungary and study at the Debrecen Summer School! This experience has given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the Hungarian culture and the Hungarian language. In having the opportunity to use the Hungarian language outside of the classroom, I have been able to strengthen my ability to communicate with native Hungarian speakers. This program has also allowed me to form friendships with people from all over the world. Through these new friendships, I have learned about other countries in the region as well, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, and many more. I have also connected more to my Hungarian heritage than I had previously due to being part of this program. Without the Susan Hicks Memorial Award, I would not have had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at a program that has greatly enriched my life!" -Catherine Mowery
"My semester at the University of Helsinki was filled with meaningful experiences, both social and academic. I spent Spring 2019 exploring the University's diverse and robust REEES-related courses and discovering new dimensions to the study of Russia and Eastern Europe, focusing in particular on Finland's history and current role in the region. The Susan Hicks Memorial Fund generously supported my exchange and honored my unique course of study by giving me the financial flexibility to fully experience Finland and all its wonder." -Dagny Felker