Professor Hursky's Biography

Professor Jacob Hursky devoted his life to studying and teaching the culture and language of his roots. A native of Zoldaky, Ukraine, Dr. Hursky earned a master's degree in Ukrainian and Slavic Philology from the Ukrainian Free University in Munich, Germany, and master's and doctoral degrees in Slavic and Baltic Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He came to Syracuse University in 1956 as an assistant professor in the former Slavic Languages and Literatures department and rose through the ranks to become a full professor in 1972. He became chairman of the department in 1976 and subsequently directed that program until 1989 following the creation of the Languages, Literatures and Linguistics department, after which he assumed emeritus status. He passed away in 1995. Jacob Hursky went far beyond the call of professional duty. “He was the quintessential dedicated teacher. Students came first in every regard,” said one of Dr. Hursky's former students, Dr. Patricia Burak, who now directs the Lillian and Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services at Syracuse University. “He was incredibly brilliant and could converse in about nine different languages. He loved the study of languages and gave tirelessly, even after he became ill.” Dr. Hursky also was the faculty advisor for the University's Ukrainian Club for more than 30 years and was actively involved in the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences in the United States and several other Ukrainian organizations.

Support the Jacob and Valentina Hursky Ukrainian Fund for Graduate Students

The intent of this special graduate fund is to honor Dr. Hursky and assist students who share his love for the Ukrainian culture and language. Donations to the Jacob and Valentina Hursky Ukrainian Fund for Graduate Students will serve as a lasting memorial to Dr. Hursky and help realize his dream that the study of the Ukrainian culture and language continue at Syracuse University for many years to come.

Apply for the Hursky Fellowship

There is no separate application form for the Hursky Fellowship. The Graduate School solicits nominations from academic departments each winter for this award, which is granted for each new academic year, beginning in the fall semester. The Fellowship is awarded to a full-time, matriculated/or admitted graduate student of Ukrainian background enrolled in either the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs or the College of Arts and Sciences, or to a Syracuse University graduate student whose area of study is the Ukraine or includes Ukrainian topics. Preference is given to students whose study includes Ukrainian language and literature, Ukrainian linguistics, and or culture. Current or prospective graduate students who are interested in being considered for this award and who qualify according to the criteria described above should contact their academic department http://gradsch.syr.edu/programs.htm. Prospective students can find out more about graduate programs at Syracuse University at that link, as well. Prospective students must submit an application for graduate study in order to receive consideration by a nominating department.