The Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia was established in 2011 thanks to a generous gift from the family of NYU alumni Boris and Elizabeth Jordan. The Jordans are a family of Russian-Americans with strong links in the worlds of business and culture on both sides of the Atlantic and a tradition of cultural sponsorship and philanthropy. The gift satisfied the twin goals of the donors: to
promote knowledge and understanding of Russia past, present, and future; and to situate this ambition in a world-class research university in a vibrant center of business and the arts. The gift is their permanent testament to their roots in both countries, their commitment to their alma mater, and their nurturing of knowledge and the arts. The gift is also testament to the achievements and future of Russian studies at NYU. NYU’s Russia-related faculty has been growing in stature and size, with a relatively young and dynamic faculty offering fresh and innovative perspectives of Russian history, culture, politics, and society. The function of the Center is to offer a gathering point and a locus for greater and more concerted interaction and productive endeavor. The Center encourages a better understanding of Russia by stimulating study at an advanced level in the schools and departments of NYU with more programming and funding. It provides support and encouragement for advanced students, and ample opportunity to showcase cutting-edge research by faculty and students alike. It sponsors and organizes programs of lectures, research, scholarship, and public presentations that link Russia with other regions of the world on a thematic basis. Core Programming
The Center organizes and sponsors core programming at NYU evolving around a broad theme that is announced each semester (fall and spring). The themes are chosen, and the programming executed, in ways that situate Russia and other centers of area study in a shared conversation. Funding and Support
With an eye on future generations of specialists in the private sector, in the academy, and in government, the Center offers encouragement and funding to advanced students to make possible intensive training in Russian language and research and field-work in Russia. This assistance is vital to the careers of graduate students in all disciplines and fills a gap in the funding structure of the American academy that has opened since the 1990s. Public Services and Outreach
The Center offers ready access to specialists across the university to respond to requests for expert knowledge and advice. Specializations and profiles are available at our website and inquiries may be directed to [email protected]
