Ukrainian Canadian Students' Union poised for rebirth (09/01/02)

Ukrainian Canadian Students' Union poised for rebirth

by Roman W. Zakaluzny

OTTAWA - In its 50th year, the Ukrainian Canadian Students' Union is entering a rebuilding phase. After a productive but poorly attended national congress held in Ottawa in July, the union will be concentrating on re-establishing links with its members and narrowing down a focus.

"We're an umbrella body for Ukrainian student clubs across Canada," said the new vice-president (internal), Jenn Kehoe. "Some of these clubs are faring extremely well, while others are faltering. All we can do as their national representatives is help them out if they need it," she explained.

Windsor, Calgary and Ottawa universities were represented at the three-day gathering, which is held annually. Lower-than-expected turnout was the result of a number of factors, explained outgoing President Pavlo Horbal.

"Since the congress this year was pushed to the summer instead of the usual February, many students couldn't get away because of summer job commitments," Mr. Horbal noted. "Being peak travel season, and understanding the rising costs of tuition here in Canada, we realized that many students probably couldn't afford to make the trip to Ottawa. We may have to look more towards fund-raising in the future."

It is expected that the SUSK conclave will return to February next year in Toronto, which is hosting the 50th anniversary congress.

On a brighter note, the union is doing very well financially, said the incoming treasurer, Mykola Koshiw. "We will spend this year rebuilding our strength by raising the awareness of SUSK with new undergraduates, and polling them on what they think SUSK should strive to achieve," he said.

The SUSK executive includes: Mr. Kehoe, (Ottawa), executive vice-president, Internal: Mr. Koshiw (Toronto), treasurer; Michael Ilnycky (Winnipeg), director of external relations - Ukrainian organizations; Roman Zakaluzny (Ottawa), director of publications and communications; Daria Horbal (Windsor), secretary; Mr. Horbal (Calgary), past president

Some positions remain vacant and nominations are welcomed. For more information and for contact information log on to www.susk.ca.

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