FOR THE RECORD: University's recognition of Woskobs' support (02/18/01)

FOR THE RECORD: University's recognition of Woskobs' support

Following is the text of an address delivered at a recognition luncheon on December 15, 2000, at Penn State University, State College, Pa., by University President Graham Spanier.

Alex and Helen Woskob are natives of Ukraine, a nation of more than 50 million people and the second largest country in Europe. Ukraine has often been called the breadbasket of Eastern Europe, and it is blessed with some of the world's richest soil - a deep black mixture that at one time produced 20 percent of the food for the entire Soviet Union on less than 3 percent of its land. Over half the country is covered in fields of wheat, barley, rye, oats and sugar beets. For 300 years Ukraine fought for its cultural and political survival against Soviet domination, and in this month in 1991 the country and its people finally gained their independence.

But along with that independence has come struggle - something the Woskobs are familiar with as well, having left their homeland on foot after being expelled by the Russians.

Alex and Helen came to this country five decades ago, and have worked hard to earn the American dream. The story of their success is one of diligence, perseverance and industriousness. By all measures, they have achieved great success in this country, but they have not forgotten their roots.

Over the years this couple has generously donated funds to Penn State and other institutions for programs and causes all designed to help their native land and its people. Whether it has been through the rebuilding of Ukrainian studies programs here at Penn State or through the revitalization of the teaching of Slavic languages, the Woskobs have worked relentlessly to preserve the culture and traditions of Ukraine. Alex and Helen have not only given money, but also much time and energy in an effort to foster goodwill and understanding between two nations they love.

Over the years Penn State has forged a number of links with Ukraine, in agriculture as well as technology fields. Since 1990 and the collapse of communism, Penn State has had a unique commitment to Central and Eastern Europe.

Thanks in large part to the generosity of Alex and Helen, our College of Agricultural Sciences has a longstanding, special relationship with Ukraine. Pennsylvania and Ukraine share many similarities. Like Pennsylvania, Ukraine excels in the production of cereals, milk and meat, and has a significant food-processing industry.

Through their wonderful donations, the Woskobs have made it possible for Penn State to once again extend its reach beyond the region, beyond the state and beyond the nation to find solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing our world. Penn State has provided valuable research to farmers in Ukraine, who have been struggling to overcome the hardships that accompany building a new government, a new agricultural system - in essence, a new nation.

Our agricultural activities in Ukraine date back to 1992, when a bilateral agreement was signed between our College of Agricultural Sciences and the National Agricultural University in Kyiv. Since then the college has developed relationships with six other agricultural universities in Ukraine. Much of the activity has focused on faculty exchanges, with faculty from Ukraine visiting Penn State in the areas of economic and rural development and extension.

The most recent gift of $1.5 million from the Woskobs, which creates the Woskob Family Chair in International Agriculture, will generate more opportunities to help this proud and distinct nation through collaborative research to improve the production and marketing of agricultural commodities.

I'd like to thank Alex and Helen and their family for their thoughtful and generous gifts over the years that have allowed Penn State to play such an important role in helping another nation and in promoting an understanding of Ukrainian culture.

I'd also like to express my admiration for the Woskobs, who have shown a tremendous commitment to humanity and a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

Thank you, Alex, Helen, George and Nina.

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