Each year, the Russian Flagship Program trains a dedicated team of student ambassadors to assist with program activities. Student ambassadors answer questions from prospective students and their families, lead mini-tours of the program, represent the Russian Flagship at campus resources fairs, and assist with co-curricular activities and events.
If you are a prospective student who would like to learn more about the Russian Flagship Program from a peer’s perspective, please reach out to any of the student ambassadors below or check out the student blog, created by student ambassadors in response to COVID-19! You can also request more information and a faculty or staff member will follow up with you.
2019-20 Student Ambassadors
Aleks Cwalina
Hi! My name is Aleks and I have been in the Russian Flagship for a little over a year now. I have always been fascinated with Eastern European culture and have decided to develop this interest further at UW-Madison.
Kate Sandy
Hello! My name is Kate, and I’m a junior at UW-Madison studying Russian and regional studies (Russian, Eastern European, Central Asian, and South Asian). I transferred here from New College of Florida, mainly for the Russian Flagship Program!
Claudia Torres-Giraldo
Привет! My name is Claudia. I was born in Peru, but I moved to Chicago when I was 7-years-old. I am currently a junior, majoring in Russian and political science and getting a certificate in Chicano Latino Studies.
Brady Wegner
Hello! I’m Brady, a student ambassador for the Russian Flagship Program and a junior who’s majoring in Russian, Spanish, and International Studies.
2018-19 Student Ambassadors
Megan Feeley
Hello! I’m currently a junior, studying Russian and International Studies. I enjoy spending my time exploring the city, going on walks on the Lakeshore Path, and spending time with my friends, most of whom I’ve met through the Russian Flagship.
Justin Magoon
I’m a Russian major and a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program on campus. I’m from a small town about an hour from Madison. I started learning Russian out of simple curiosity and it has never stopped intriguing me, so here I am 3 years later!
Jake Pflughoeft
Привет! Howdy! My name is Jake Pflughoeft, but you can call me “Pflugey” (floo-gie). I am a junior studying Russian, English, and German with the goal of becoming a teacher. The very first class I had at UW-Madison was a Russian course.
Marina Waggoner
My name is Marina and I transferred to UW-Madison from Portland State University. I am currently double majoring in Zoology and Russian. I’m not sure what I will do when I “grow up,” but I’m hoping to do something that aids in animal research.
