National Security Professor Earns Prestigious ‘Immigrant Day Award’

For Olena Lennon, Ph.D., the day she officially became a U.S. citizen was one of the most important of her life. That day, she experienced a feeling of deep gratitude, as well as a sense of responsibility. It made a lasting impact on her as she endeavored to educate others – in particular, since her native country of Ukraine was invaded by Russia in 2014.

During our interview, Dr. Lennon recalled her naturalization ceremony several years ago, during which U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal shared inspiring words with the new American citizens, urging them to love their countries of origin even more passionately after receiving American citizenship and to educate Americans about their cultures and traditions. He emphasized that the exchange of cultures strengthens the nation. His words inspired Dr. Lennon that day, and they continue to drive her, both as an educator and as a human being.

“I carry Senator Blumenthal’s message in my heart every day, but especially since Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine,” she said. “I consider it my duty as an American Ukrainian to educate people about Ukraine, Russia, and the war, and make – even if small – a contribution to alleviating human suffering. The war in Ukraine affects Americans in more ways than may meet the eye, as Ukraine is fighting not only for its sovereignty and survival, but in defense of the very value system on which America is built.”

‘Every American story is an immigration story’

A practitioner in residence of national security at the University, Dr. Lennon’s commitment to education is clear – as is her dedication to her students. Her message also reaches audiences around the globe in her frequent media interviews. She has been featured on a variety of platforms and media outlets, from CNBC to WIRED.

The Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition (CIRC) recently honored Dr. Lennon for the impact she has made and continues to make. She was among the seven individuals of diverse backgrounds that CIRC recognized during its 2023 Immigrant Day event.

“I am immensely humbled that CIRC recognized me, especially alongside such accomplished and inspiring individuals,” said Dr. Lennon. “This country gave me opportunities that I couldn’t have received anywhere else. It’s an honor to have had a chance to give back. Being recognized for my work is an honor beyond anything I could have imagined.”

CIRC recognized Dr. Lennon and her fellow honorees for the positive and lasting impacts they’ve made on their communities and in their fields, recognizing the challenges they’ve overcome to become pillars in their communities. Celebrating such achievements and contributions is particularly important, Dr. Lennon says, because foreign-born American citizens and residents face unique challenges.

“Every American story is an immigration story,” said Dr. Lennon. “It is thanks to immigrants’ hard work, ingenuity, and determination that America has become the country it is today. When we celebrate other people’s achievements, we recognize their efforts in seizing an opportunity and working hard toward results, despite challenges. In my opinion, events like this are ultimately about human empowerment and building stronger ties among diverse communities.”

‘A cause bigger than myself’

Dr. Lennon has been committed to education since she first came to the U.S. as a graduate student on a Fulbright scholarship. She earned a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership and higher education with concentrations in political science and qualitative & quantitative psychometric measures from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). (She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in teaching English as a foreign language from Horlivka Institute of Foreign Languages in Horlivka, Ukraine.)

The first Ukrainian student in her graduate program at UNL, Dr. Lennon says she found a “family away from family,” and a support network that inspired her and helped guide her academically, professionally, and personally. She says their encouragement gave her the confidence to persevere and pursue her passions and aspirations. They made her feel welcome in her new country.

Dr. Lennon says her experiences in the U.S., from her time as a student to that of a teacher and a citizen, have changed her “profoundly.” She has continued to learn from and be inspired by American culture, institutions, and values. She has been particularly moved by the power of responsibility that she has witnessed, both at the individual and institutional levels.

"This sense of individual accountability, as a prerequisite to trust in the system, has redefined me personally and professionally,” said Dr. Lennon. “Living and working in America has also given me a new appreciation for strong communities and teams. Amazing things happen when people put their heads and talents together and their egos aside. I always look for opportunities to add value to a team effort in pursuit of a cause bigger than myself.”

‘The meaning of life and happiness’

That’s also something she’s done at the University as she inspires her students to grow, embrace challenges, and be the best version of themselves that they can be. The University community includes many international students who, like Dr. Lennon, have come to the U.S. to further their education. She urges them to take every opportunity to connect with Americans and to build strong friendships. She believes America’s greatest resource is its people, who reflect diversity and a dedication to making their country and the world better.

As an educator, Dr. Lennon endeavors to teach her students the importance of learning from others’ mistakes. In particular, she has focused on helping others learn from the war in her country of origin, something that, she believes, offers many important lessons. She hopes it serves a reminder to never take democracy or security for granted, to protect our values, and to always cultivate the best in others.

“Among other things, the war has shown us how the decisions of one leader with unchecked power and bad information can wreak so much suffering and misery on millions of people,” she explains. “The war in Ukraine has also shown us the best and the worst of human nature. We have seen unimaginable levels of brutality humans have inflicted on other humans. But we have also seen incredible kindness and generosity demonstrated by Ukrainians and people from around the world in support of victims of aggression.”

Dr. Lennon continues to learn and draw inspiration from those in the U.S. as well. Her husband, whom she describes as epitomizing “everything that makes America great,” has empowered her and inspired her with his commitment to service and leadership. Their two sons, she says, teach her every day what it means to be American, while also inspiring gratitude and joy.

“Nothing has redefined me more than raising children in America,” she said. “Being an American parent has allowed me to understand the intricacies of American childhood and parenting experiences and the ways in which these experiences contribute to the construction of a unique American identity. They are the ones who unlock the meaning of life and happiness for me every day.”