RUSSELL MARTIN

AAn accomplished historian. A serious academic. Vast intellect. Compassionate.

These are all descriptors written by colleagues and alumni in support of Dr. Russell Martin, professor of history, this year’s winner of the prestigious Distinguished Faculty Award, presented during Westminster’s 169th commencement ceremony.

“For years he has helped mold students into individuals that ask critical questions, seek diverse opportunities and knowledge, and use that historical knowledge to see the world in a more holistic way,” wrote one nominator.

Martin, who joined the faculty in 1996, was recommended for the honor by current and former colleagues, alumni and students. The award is presented annually to a tenured faculty member who has, over a sustained period of time, demonstrated characteristics of the most outstanding faculty—intellectual vitality, effective communication skills, the ability to motivate or inspire compassion and concern for student success, collegiality and leadership.

“Dr. Martin incorporates creative ways to teach content and writing skills, but he also does not need to use innovative pedagogy to be effective. Instead, he enthralls students using the history alone,” said one colleague.

A group of 10 Westminster alumni supplied a joint letter in support of Martin. “Dr. Martin is an inspirational leader who exemplifies the best aspects of a liberal arts education. We experienced firsthand how his classes awakened our intellectual vitality and prepared us to think critically and creatively about the world around us. His compassion, concern, and connection for students motivated us to answer his call to start the History Alumni Advisory Council.”

Martin teaches courses in Russian history, early modern European history and medieval European history, as well as courses on the history of Eastern Orthodoxy.

Since 2006, Martin has been the lead translator of the official web page of the Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, the Head of the Russian Imperial House, and is an adviser to her Chancellery in Moscow on Foreign

Media and Communications. Martin was awarded the Russian Imperial Order of St. Anna twice, (third and second classes), and the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir (fourth class) by the Grand Duchess for his work on behalf of the House of Romanov.

Over the years, Martin has appeared on A&E’s “Biography” in a broadcast on Ivan the Terrible as an expert on the controversial ruler. He has lectured internationally, including in Germany, the U.K., Canada and Russia. He is the author of more than 70 articles and has co-authored, edited or translated 11 other books.

His book, The Tsar’s Happy Occasion: Ritual and Dynasty in the Weddings of Russia’s Rulers, 1495-1745, explores how royal weddings in early modern Russia were choreographed to broadcast powerful images of monarchy and dynasty. The book follows his 2012 work, A Bride for the Tsar: Bride-Shows and Marriage Politics in Early Modern Russia

Martin earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his master’s and Ph.D. from Harvard University.

NEIL BERG’S 50 YEARS OF ROCK AND ROLL PART II

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

Sponsors: UPMC Jameson | UPMC Horizon

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

OCTOBER 12, 2023

AN EVENING OF HOLIDAY CHEER WITH JACKIE EVANCHO

DECEMBER 2, 2023

Sponsor: Springfield Restaurant Group

THE NEW YORK TENORS

APRIL 6, 2024

MARCH 9, 2024

Sponsor: Shenango on the Green

Sponsor: Giant Eagle

Season Subscription Renewals will be mailed June 15.

Early Bird Reservations for single tickets can be waitlisted upon announcement and seated prior to official on sale date! Call 724-946-7354

Single tickets will officially be on sale August 7. www.westminster.edu/celebrity or 724-946-7354