NOTES ON PEOPLE (01/24/99)

NOTES ON PEOPLE

Scholar honored by U. of Manitoba

WINNIPEG - In 1998 the recipient of a University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumnius Award was Dr. Peter A. Kondra, first honored at the alumni reception and dinner on September 19 and subsequently given the 1998 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the university's fall convocation.

He has distinguished himself as an academician and a leader among Ukrainians, having served as president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Committee and principal of St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg.

Born in Saskatchewan in 1911, Dr. Kondra attended the University of Manitoba, where he studied at the Manitoba Agricultural College and received a B.S. in agriculture in 1934, followed by an M.S. in 1943. He continued his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota and received a Ph.D. in animal genetics in 1953.

During the period 1934-1945 he was employed as a research assistant at the University of Manitoba and at Agriculture Canada, and as a poultry specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. In 1946 he was appointed to the professorial staff in animal science at the University of Manitoba. In addition to being a highly respected teacher and consultant to the poultry industry, he conducted research and published over 50 scientific and semi-technical papers, many of which were presented at international conferences, including the 1966 World Poultry Congress in Kyiv.

In 1939-1939 Dr. Kondra initiated and carried out the first investigation into the hatching quality of commercial feeds for poultry breeders in Manitoba, which resulted in an immediate change in quality of two major sources of feed. At the outbreak of World War II he participated in an intensive campaign to increase the production of high-quality eggs for export to England to feed the Canadian Armed Forces.

He has carried out international projects, including a seven-week lecture and study tour in 1964 of universities and research institutions in Russia and Ukraine, sponsored by the Research Council of Canada and as a guest of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

He has served as an advisor to Khon Kaen University in Thailand, as an industry poultry advisor in Brazil and Costa Rica, and as a poultry breeding consultant in Ukraine. In 1969 he represented Canada at the United Nations Technical Conference in Bangkok. Dr. Kondra was appointed professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba in 1980.

Dr. Kondra has been active in numerous professional associations, including the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists, the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society of Animal Science, the Genetics Society, the American Society of Animal Science and World Poultry Science.

Dr. Kondra's very active role in the community includes service as chair of the building committee during the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada; executive member of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada; executive member of St. Andrew's College board of directors and initiator of the college's million dollar endowment fund; chair of the Center for Ukrainian Studies; and member of the Alumni Association of the University of Manitoba.

Among his numerous academic, professional and community honors are: the Isbister Scholarship, University of Manitoba; honorary professor, University of California at Berkeley; a scroll "in recognition of outstanding service to the Canadian Hatchery Federation"; the Taras Shevchenko Medal for distinguished service; and a scroll from Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau for contributions to multiculturalism in Canada.

Dr. Kondra is married to Rose Zubrak. They have three children, Zenon, Marusia and Peter Jr.

Both Dr. and Mrs. Kondra are descended from the group of Ukrainian immigrants known as "Dr. Joseph Oleskiw's settlers," who arrived in Canada over 100 years ago.

Receives award for public service

by Camilla Huk

WEST ORANGE, N.J. - He's the man who never says "no" to anyone. Most Ukrainians in New Jersey know him as an active Democrat and, indeed, he has been a member of the New Jersey Democrats since 1951, the same year he was elected president of the Ukrainian American Professional and Businessmen's Association. For several decades, Mike Matiash has met the insurance needs of many in the Ukrainian community, and he has prepared their tax returns for over 30 years.

Most know him, however, because of his charity work, kind heartedness and generosity. He is the man who calls you to let you know someone is seriously ill and could use a visitor in the hospital, or brings people together to arrange a funeral for someone who hasn't made arrangements for one. He's the person who helps the elderly find housing when there appears to be none available and he's the one who goes to court with those who need a translator.

A longtime member of the Ukrainian National Association (Branch 214) Mr. Matiash is always there. And, you're more likely to find him when you're in need.

The Giblin Association, a charity group organized in 1954 and sponsored by the Essex and Morris County Democratic Association, also knows of Mr. Matiash's generosity and named him a recipient of its Community Service Award on November 30, 1998.

The awards event was held here at Mayfair Farms on a Sunday morning, after a liturgy at Sacred Heart Church. As president of the Ukrainian American Democrats, Marcanthony Datzkiwsky presented a plaque to Mr. Matiash on behalf of the Giblin Association.

Mr. Matiash introduced his wife, Anna, his mother-in-law, Stephania Blazarko, Camilla Huk, his son's godmother, as well as his niece, Larissa Folk. He thanked the association and his friends, including Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lesawyer, Mr. and Mrs. Datzkiwsky, Roman Pyndus, Walter Kulmatycky of the Ukrainian Center in Irvington, Walter Bodnar of the League of Ukrainian Voters, Roman Masier, all of whom were present at the event.

It was clear that most of the Ukrainian American attendees were well-known to the over 200 participants of the event. Very often members of Mr. Matiash's entourage were greeted warmly by councilmen, commissioners and other state officials.

The Giblin Association is headed by George W. Iverson, along with Patricia A. Trabacco. Since its founding by the late Thomas Giblin, it has supported diverse community service activities. Mr. Giblin's son, Thomas Jr., serves as counsel along with William H. Sheil.

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