Ukrainian Studies Society - Victoria, BC

💙💛 Summer is a Great Time to Catch Up on Our Students' Stories!

While our Pearson College students enjoy their summer break, we invite you to visit the Student Profiles section of the Ukrainian Studies Society website.

Learn more about the inspiring young Ukrainians who have received USS scholarships, their backgrounds, their experiences at Pearson College UWC, and the journeys that have brought them to Victoria.

Since 1994, 21 students have been awarded USS scholarships to attend Pearson College UWC, where they have built lifelong friendships, broadened their perspectives, and prepared to become future leaders in their communities and around the world.

🔗 Explore our Student Profiles:
https://ukrstudiessociety.ca/students/

As summer continues, we are already looking ahead. In just a few weeks, we will welcome our newest USS scholar to Victoria, while Ivan begins his second year at Pearson College.

The generosity of our members and supporters makes these opportunities possible, and we thank everyone who has helped make a difference in the lives of these remarkable young people.

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💙💛 Changing Lives Through Education

For more than 30 years, the Ukrainian Studies Society has proudly supported young Ukrainians through the USS Pearson College Scholarship Program.

Since 1994, 21 students have been awarded USS scholarships to attend Pearson College UWC, where they have built lifelong friendships, broadened their perspectives, and prepared to become future leaders in their communities and around the world.

This spring, we celebrated the graduation of Yaroslav Alieshchenko, marking the completion of another inspiring chapter in our scholarship program. We were also delighted that his mother, grandmother, and brother were able to travel to Victoria to share this special milestone with him.

As summer continues, we are already looking ahead. In just a few weeks, we will welcome our newest USS scholar to Victoria, while Ivan (pictured) begins his second year at Pearson College.

One student at a time, one future at a time, the Ukrainian Studies Society continues its commitment to investing in education, international understanding, and hope.

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💙💛 Safe travels, Yaroslav!

After two years at Pearson College, Yaroslav has now begun the next chapter of his journey. Following his graduation in May, he departed Victoria this week for a visit home to Ukraine before continuing with his future plans.

We were especially pleased that his mother, grandmother, and brother were able to travel to Victoria to share this important milestone with him.

Congratulations once again, Yaroslav. The Ukrainian Studies Society wishes you every success, happiness, and safety in the years ahead. Thank you for being part of our community—we look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments.

🎓 Watch the moment Yaroslav received his diploma:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypxaY6alHV0&t=4892s

🎓 Congratulations to USS student Yaroslav Alieshchenko (YR 51 2024–26)! 💙💛

On May 21, 2026, family, friends, classmates, and supporters gathered at beautiful Pearson College UWC to celebrate Yaroslav’s graduation ceremony and accomplishments.

We are incredibly proud to see Yaroslav reach this milestone and wish him every success in the exciting journey ahead. Thank you for being part of the Ukrainian Studies Society community — your hard work, dedication, and spirit inspire us all.

Congratulations, Yaroslav, and congratulations to the entire Class of 2026! 🌟

Members of the Ukrainian Studies Society gathered on May 3 for our 2026 Spring Farewell Potluck Dinner — an evening filled with great food, friendship, and community spirit.

During the event, guests also viewed the special video presentation that we shared in a post earlier this week.

We’re especially proud to celebrate our graduating student, Yaroslav Alieshchenko (YR 51 2024-26) whose convocation ceremonies will take place later this month. Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting milestone and all that lies ahead!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable 💙💛

Students from Pearson College UWC recently shared personal perspectives on the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war as part of the Global Affairs speaker series.

The presentation brings together historical context, lived experiences, and reflections from students connected directly to Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.

For many, these are not distant geopolitical events, but deeply personal stories involving family, displacement, uncertainty, and resilience.

Participants included:
• Yaroslav (YR 51 - Ukraine)
• Ivan (YR 52 - Ukraine)
• Marina (Belarus)
• Andrey (Russia, participating remotely)

We invite our community to listen and learn from these student voices.

Watch the presentation here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHFW-4-flbI

“Gain knowledge, my brothers! Think, read, and learn from others – do not abandon your own…”
— Taras H. Shevchenko 💙💛

Send a message to learn more