Cassandra (Payton) Divjak

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Ms. Cassandra Divjak has served as a U.S. Diplomat since 2011. Prior to joining the State Department, she traveled extensively in Russia, Ukraine, and in Eastern Europe in various capacities for American Councils. (08/2019)

Career: U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer, Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina; Bogota, Columbia; Tbilisi, Georgia, and Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Previously: Regional Director for Southeast Europe, American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELs.

Where you are now: Sarajevo.

Languages: Russian, Ukrainian, Slovene, BCMS, Georgian, Spanish

Countries lived in: Russia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Serbia, Colombia, Georgia, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Favorite places: anywhere in Dalmatia or Istria, Lagodekhi, Georgia

Hobbies: Dancing, laughing at my children, learning new things

Favorite food: ćevapi na kajmaku, mangoes

Favorite drinks: mint tea

Favorite saying: Ko rano rani, dve sreće grabi! 'Whoever gets up early, gets lucky twice!'

Favorite books: Absurdistan, A Confederacy of Dunces

In Memoriam

Reed Rankin ✝ 12/29/2019

The faculty and students in the Department Slavic Languages and Literatures are deeply saddened that one our undergraduate majors, Reed Rankin, passed away last week (12/29) in Fredonia, Kansas. Reed was a beloved student in the department and is fondly remembered by his peers and professors. He began studying Russian as a Freshman and stayed with a challenging but rewarding language for three and a half years, tackling introductory, intermediate, advanced levels, and even continuing his studies into his senior year with Russian for the Professions. We know that he was planning further study in Moscow in the next academic year, prior to matriculation at KU School of Law.

A thoughtful student, Reed often contributed insight and posed challenging questions in class. Reed’s dedication to the study of Russian language, culture, and history was tremendous and fueled by infectious curiosity. He showed great acumen in translating from Russian into English, always finding English-language equivalents for Russian cultural concepts through skillful use of one-liners from American films. We also treasured his ability to speak in fluid Russian about rural, farm life in Kansas, and the effects that natural phenomena, like floods, on a farming community. He was a pleasure to know and teach, and will be remembered for his kind and polite demeanor. Our thoughts are with Reed’s family at this time

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In Memoriam

Reed Rankin ✝ 12/29/2019