Russian instructor Iza Savenkova wins Graduate Student Service Award

Izolda has played a key role in building community within the Russian program.

Izolda Savenkova, a doctoral student in Applied Linguistics and Language Education in the College of Education, is celebrated by Russian program faculty for her exceptional service and enthusiasm, quickly becoming an “indispensable member of the Russian instructional team.” Since beginning to teach in the Russian program as an instructor of record in Fall 2025, she has brought fresh approaches to existing courses and designed new offerings of her own. By the end of this academic year, she will have taught seven different courses.

Savenkova has also played a key role in building community within the Russian program. In Fall 2025, she initiated a Russian picnic at the Language House, bringing together students, faculty and alumni for an informal gathering that has since become an annual tradition. She has also contributed to the program’s professional activities and broader campus events.

Her colleagues praised the enthusiasm and creativity she brings to their work, noting that the Russian faculty have been “reinfected by her enthusiasm, constant stream of ideas and energy, with renewed excitement about the possibilities for our program.”

Regina Haag, associate clinical professor and academic advisor in German studies, also highlighted Savenkova’s contributions across the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, including her involvement in cultural events, the Maya Brin Residency Program and the SLLC professional track faculty book club. Haag noted that the Russian Department had adopted a textbook written by Savenkova before she was hired to teach in the department.

“What stands out most to me is how quickly she became a central and trusted member of the Russian Department in the past year,” Haag wrote. “Her colleagues and students speak about her with enthusiasm and deep appreciation.”