Slava Ukraini: Charlestonians Abroad
January 13, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$10.00 – $15.00
The Ukraine-Russian conflict has become consuming in a way that can be overwhelming, and we may not know where to even begin to help. We look forward to this ‘from the front lines’ report from members and friends of the Library Society, Duke Hagerty and Walter Fiederowicz, who have recently returned from an aid-oriented trip, where they gleaned much about what is desperately needed. At its origins, the trip was to deliver medical supplies, but in addition, they discovered an underground jellyfish museum, survived midnight air raids, and so much more. Duke’s daughter, Lowcountry author and radio host Gervais Hagerty, will moderate the conversation so that we can all also experience an unforgettable journey to help those in need.
About Richard (Duke) Hagerty, MD
Dr. Hagerty is a retired plastic and reconstructive surgeon who was head of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. During his career, he frequently traveled internationally to operate — principally on cleft palate patients- and to teach surgical techniques. He served on Charleston’s City Council and is a lifelong environmentalist. He is also a surrealist artist. He moved to Charleston at the age of two, so while he has lived here most of his life, he is considered to be from Off.
About Walter Fiederowicz
Walter Fiederowicz is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law. Following law school, he served as a White House Fellow and worked in the Justice Department in a variety of positions, culminating in his appointment as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States. After leaving government service, he had a career in law and finance based in Connecticut and New York. He founded the Charleston Literary Festival in 2017 and currently serves as Chair of the organization, as well as volunteering his time as a Board member of the Preservation Society of Charleston and the Rivers Performance Hall Foundation.
About the Gervais Hagerty
Gervais Hagerty Del Porto grew up in Charleston. After a career in broadcast journalism, she taught communications to cadets at The Citadel. She now hosts a weekly show on OHM Radio, teaches creative writing, and writes novels inspired by her hometown. She’s also a newly minted board member of the Charleston Library Society.