The article provides an overview of the speeches of the participants of the Russian American seminar at St. Petersburg State University. The semi nar was held for the thirtieth time, and its founder, Professor B.A. Shiryaev celebrated his 85th birthday these days. In addition, the American Studies Department of St. Petersburg State University celebrated its 25th anniversary. All together, these events have become a base for deep and meaningful discus sions of Russian and foreign scholars.