This is the inaugural year of the Roma Boniecka-Anna Cienciała Award, an honor named after the principal donors who helped the Slavic Department establish UW's Slovene studies endowment back in 2016. The recipient of this year's award, Maddox Unočić, was given the title to recognize his outstanding work in Slovene studies.
In addition to the title, the student of this award is provided a cash stipend from UW's Slovene studies endowment for their tuition-free attendance and free lodging at the two-week intensive Seminar of Slovene Language, Literature and Culture (SSKLJ) held in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This highly intensive and expertly taught seminar devotes classes to the Slovene language, guided tours to see historic and cultural spots, and provides students the experience to view musical or dramatic performances.
Award winners are required to complete a diagnostic written and oral exam conducted by faculty of the Seminar, which will then place them in one of six graded levels of Slovene language instruction. These levels range from rank beginners to fluent experts.
“I would encourage any UW student interested in learning a Slavic language or, more generally, the language of an out-and-out cultural crossroads to consider taking Slovene,” Michael Biggins, Affiliate Professor of the Slavic Department, said. “For its size, it's a cultural and economic powerhouse with the potential for untold learning and research discoveries.”
Applications for this award open next academic year and close in April.