In the introduction to Jaroslav Rozumnyj’s Twentieth Century Ukrainian Literature, the author writes, “For over forty years, the Ukrainian presence at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been synonymous with Dmytro Shtohryn.” Rozumnyj goes on to say that Professor Shtohryn became instrumental in making the U of I one of this continent’s leading research centers for specialists in Slavic and East European disciplines. It’s undeniable that this librarian from Ottawa, Canada, was integral to the offering of Ukrainian studies at Illinois.
Considering Professor Shtohryn’s past contributions to the University Library and to Ukrainian Studies, celebrating his 90th birthday here at Illinois seemed fitting—and made it all the more special. On December 2, the legendary professor gathered with his colleagues, friends, and fans at a reception organized by the Slavic Reference Service to visit and blow out the candles on his birthday cake.
Professor Shtohryn continues to have a great passion for Ukranian materials. At Illinois, these are part of the Slavic, East European & Eurasian Collections & Services housed within the International and Area Studies (IAS) Library. The IAS Library would like to be able to purchase Istorychnyi Atlas Ukrainy : Naidavnishe Mynule, Rus’ (Kyivs’ka Derzhava, Galyts’ko-Volyns’ka Derzhava), a large-format historical atlas of ancient and medieval Ukraine in honor of Professor Shtohryn (see page 6). Library Friends interested in making a gift to purchase this atlas or supporting the IAS Library are invited to call (217) 333-5682.
Read more of the news on the REEC blog
This is a re-posting of an article in the Winter 2013-2014 edition of Friendscript, the newsletter for Friends of the University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign. To view a PDF of the original article, please see page 3 of the newsletter