2017 marks the hundredth anniversary of the Russian Revolution. That tumultuous century saw Russia reject the Romanov dynasty which had ruled for over three hundred years and embrace a new ideology whose leader, Vladimir Lenin, would become the head of the world’s first communist state. Guests on the November 1 WorldCanvass will help us understand Russia’s historical trajectory, the cultural and social fallout from the revolution and its aftermath, and its place in today’s geopolitical constellation. WorldCanvass will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. on November 1 at MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street. The program is free and open to the public. Please come early for a pre-show catered reception from 5-5:30 p.m.

Kristofer May has long had a passion for learning, and that drove him to the opportunity to teach English in Russia through a Fulbright grant.

Kristofer May, a recent graduate of the UI with a B.A. in Russian and a B.S. in Biology, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant to Russia for 2016-17.

Phil’s Day 2015 is a day to celebrate philanthropy and the impact it has on the University of Iowa. These are just a few of the many UI students who were able to study or conduct research abroad in the past year, gaining invaluable experiences and memories that enhanced their education and lives, thanks to the generosity of private donors. Read on to learn about their unique adventures and projects.

A unique law course has created an opportunity for Iowa students to build relationships with their counterparts on the other side of the world. The Selected Topics in Comparative Law Seminar — offered by the University of Iowa College of Law this spring — invited Iowa students to compare U.S. and Russian Law in collaboration with students taking a parallel course in Russia.

For 15 years, Ukrainian musician Roman Turovsky has playing the music that settled deep in his heart many years before. Though initially compelled to remain in the shadows as a composer, Turovsky later sought the adrenaline of performance. At 7 p.m. March 15 at the Englert Theater, 221 E. Washington St., Turovsky will make his first appearance at the ninth-annual Russian Guitar Festival alongside other virtuosos in Russian guitar music. This will mark the second time for the Englert to host the event.