Rhymes With... Ukraine - Professor Maryna Nading

Maryna (Bazylevych) Nading has been a professor at Luther College since 2010, focusing on the topics of medical anthropology, body and health, and post-socialism. She was born in Ukraine and first visited the US while participating in English studies programs as a young adult. Those roots lead to her eventual return to the US in higher education. Maryna's work now supports students in Anthropology studies as well as Luther College’s Global Health Major.

From growing up in urban Khmelnytskyi Ukraine (living with a great dane!) to making her way to Indiana, graduate work in upstate New York, and eventually to Luther College - Maryna's story is rich and meaningful. Much of Maryna's family and many friends are still living in present day Ukraine, and living through the Russian invasion and ongoing war. 

In the Spring of 2022, Maryna helped Luther College Students organize "The Ride for Ukraine" fundraiser, a 75-mile bike ride from Rochester, Minn., to Decorah. Luther Graduate ('22) Anita Tamang organized the event with the help of Luther College ('23) Souk Sengsaisouk ’23. The event raised  $7,000. for an oncology clinic where Maryna's mother works.

(Photo courtesy of Anita Tamang and Souksakhone Sengsaisouk)
Anita Tamang (‘22, left), Professor Maryna Bazylevych Nading (middle) and
Souksakhone Sengsaisouk (‘23, right) organized a 75-mile bike ride in order to advocate for peace in the country of Ukraine.

A benefit concert was also organized in the Fall of 2022 with several Luther College Faculty and community members including Brooke Joyce, Decorah Middle School orchestra members, and more. The concert featured music about or from Ukraine, and also raised over $2,000. for another localized organization in Ukraine. 

Nading continues to speak with family and friends in Ukraine on a regular basis, and also help connect resources. Her parents both work in health care, and while her hometown has generally not yet been in the immediate high-danger areas of attacks, the influx of those fleeing the war torn regions have been very real. Shortages of many basics exist, while power and cell services are frequently lost as attacks occur in close by regions. She continues to connect with on-the-ground organizations that are supporting the Ukrainian efforts. 

Nading translated a piece from a friend that was run in the Des Moines Register in March of 2022 that gives many glimpses into the day to day life in Ukraine. 

If you would like to connect with Maryna or help by donating funds to on-the-ground, grass roots organizations, please feel free to contact her at: bazyma01@luther.edu