Ukrainian Technological Society honors Futey as Ukrainian of the Year (12/16/01)

Ukrainian Technological Society honors Futey as Ukrainian of the Year

PITTSBURGH - Bohdan A. Futey, judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, was honored as the 2001 Ukrainian of the Year by the Ukrainian Technological Society of Pittsburgh at its 32nd annual dinner-dance on Saturday evening, November 24, at The University Club in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.

President Ihor Havryluk welcomed the guests and introduced Executive Board Member Mark Jakubowycz, who made the nomination of Judge Futey as Ukrainian of the Year. The award plaque, an original caligraphic work by Kathy Boykowycz, was presented by President Havryluk and Executive Board Member Halya Polatajko Kozub, who read the English and Ukrainian inscriptions.

In his acceptance speech, Judge Futey noted positive developments in the constitutional, legislative and judicial structures of Ukraine since Independence in 1991, and also some recent negative developments. However, he said he is optimistic that solid progress would be forthcoming in the near future as Ukraine moves towards achieving nationhood based upon democratic principles.

Proclamations from the governor of Ohio, the Allegheny County chief executive, and the Council of the City of Pittsburgh were then read. The latter, sponsored by City Councilman Eugene Ricciardi, who personally greeted Judge Futey, designated November 24 as "Judge Futey Day in Pittsburgh."

The Rev. K. Michael Kochis, pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ambridge, Pa, led the signing of "Mnohaya Lita," and then followed with the invocation. After the dinner and benediction, the guests enjoyed dancing to the music of the Lviviany band.

Judge Futey was born in Ukraine in 1939. He received bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees from Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 1962 and 1964, respectively. He earned the Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School in 1968, whereupon he entered the practice of law as a partner in the firm of Futey and Rakowsky in 1968-1972.

He was chief assistant police prosecutor for the City of Cleveland in 1972-1974 and executive assistant to the mayor of Cleveland in 1974-1975. He was then a partner in the law firm of Bazarko, Futey and Oryshkewych until May, 1984, when he became chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States. He has been a judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims since 1987.

The Ukrainian of the Year Award recognized Judge Futey's work in helping to develop the governmental structures of independent Ukraine. Judge Futey has participated in judicial exchange programs, seminars, and workshops, and has been a consultant to the working group on Ukraine's Constitution and Ukrainian Parliament.

As an advisor to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), based in Washington, he has helped the foundation promote the democratic election process in Ukraine through technical assistance, legal reform, and voter education. Judge Futey served as an official observer during the parliamentary elections in Ukraine in 1994 and 1998, and the presidential elections in 1994 and 1999, and conducted briefings on Ukraine's Election Law and guidelines for international observers.

Judge Futey has lectured on Constitutional Law at the Ukrainian Free University and Passau University, both in Germany, and at Kyiv State University and Lviv University in Ukraine. He has written extensively on the Ukrainian Constitution and judiciary providing resources in English for governmental policy-makers. He authored the book "Establishing The Rule of Law: Ukraine 1991-2001" in Ukrainian, which was introduced in Kyiv on August 21 during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Ukraine's independence.

A leader in the Ukrainian American community, Judge Futey has held the following offices among many: president, World Conference of Ukrainian Students (CeSUS), 1968-1971; president, United Ukrainian Organizations of Greater Cleveland, 1973-1984; and president, Ukrainian American Bar Association (UABA) 1984-1987. He presently serves as the chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).

Judge Futey concluded his visit to Pittsburgh on Sunday, November 25, with a live interview on the "Ukrainian Radio Program," hosted by Michael Komichak, and a viewing of the Ukrainian Nationality Classroom in the Cathedral of Leaming on the University of Pittsburgh campus, where he was hosted by Prof. Walter Boykowycz, the architect of record.

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