Thomas R. Beyer, Jr.

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Summary

Andrej Belyj's Real'nyj Criticism: Precursor of Russian Formalism. Defended 1974 (Chair: Stephen J. Parker) C.V. Starr Professor of Russian, Chair of Russian, Dean of the Russian School at Middlebury College. Author of fifteen books including 501 Russian Verbs and 501 English Verbs. Professor Beyer continues to follow the popularity of the second edition of his book, 501 Russian Verbs. He also recently published his translation into English with notes and commentary of Andrej Belyj's Glossolalie -Poema über den Laut/Glossolalia: A Poem about Sound. (Trilingual edition, German and English translations, and Russian original edited by Taja Gut. Dornach: Pforte Verlag, 2003). Professor Beyer presented a paper on using the Internet in basic and advanced Russian classes at the Tenth International Congress of Russian Teachers held this past summer in St. Petersburg. The paper can be downloaded here. (08/2003)


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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