Detroit foundation marks 77th jubilee of service

by Luba Hrynchuk

HAZEL PARK, Mich. - The independence of Ukraine had special meaning for the over 200 persons in attendance at this year's 77th anniversary banquet of the Ukrainian American Center Foundation held on Sunday, October 4, at the Stephenson Haas Restaurant in Hazel Park.

Every year since its inception, the Ukrainian American Center Foundation has provided scholarships to individuals of Ukrainian descent and to organizations that promote cultural and educational activities in the Ukrainian community. Over $30,000 has been awarded to date to numerous students and organizations.

Master of ceremonies Kathleen Sauk - herself a past scholarship recipient and chemical engineering student at Wayne State University - discussed the necessity of good role models for the youth of today. Entering a male-dominated profession, she said she was inspired to pursue her professional goals by the role models she had while growing up in the Ukrainian community. Ms. Sauk encouraged the eight individual scholarship recipients to pursue their goals and continue their education as long as they could.

Entertainment was provided by Oleg and Olena Turchin, a vocal duet from Kharkiv, Ukraine. They were introduced by Stephen Wichar, entertainment chairperson.

After dinner, Doris Duzyj, teacher at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Grade School in Warren and a recent graduate of Oakland University with a master's degree in education, presented the scholarships to the following individuals: Rose Maria Bartkiw of Detroit, Danilo Lisowsky of Troy, Taras Lisowsky of Troy, Kristina Nadia Maksimovich of Warren, Ina Shamraj of Sterling Heights, Larissa Shamraj of Sterling Heights, Walter Andrew Stepniowski of Warren and Stephanie Maksimowich of Warren.

This Year's organization winners were the Ukrainian Educational Association and The Ukrainian Cultural Club. The Ukrainian Educational Association is a school for elementary through high school-aged children that teaches the history, language and culture of Ukraine. Accepting for the association was Olya Iwanicki, president. The Ukrainian Cultural Club publishes the monthly newspaper, the "Detroitski Novyny." Accepting the award on behalf of the newspaper was its editor, Wolodomyr Baran.

The banquet chairman, Walter Marfey of Rochester Hills, noted that he was very happy to see younger members of the Ukrainian community getting involved in the foundation's activities. Many of the pioneers of the organization were in attendance also.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 10, 1993, No. 2, Vol. LXI

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