New Jersey governor appoints Ukrainian to Ethnic Advisory Council

TRENTON, N.J. - Gov. James E. McGreevey has appointed Ukrainian American Camille Huk of Rutherford to the Ethnic Advisory Council, which was recently reactivated under his administration.

"As a member of the Ethnic Advisory Council, Ms. Huk will bring the same caliber of leadership that she has shown in her professional life. Her efforts as a representative of the Ukrainian community will be an asset to the council and to all ethnic groups throughout the State of New Jersey," said Gov. McGreevey, according to a news release issued by his office on August 14.

"I'm honored to have an opportunity to serve my community once again, as I did when I served on the very first Ethnic Advisory Council in the nation, under Gov. [Brendan] Byrne," said Ms. Huk. "We accomplished much in the area of education, establishing a process for accrediting foreign language studies, adding our history to the history of New Jersey, allowing Ukrainian Americans a greater opportunity to participate in state-sponsored events such as Heritage Festivals and Liberty State Park events. We served as ombudsmen for our communities."

"Governor McGreevey is outstanding in his proactive outreach to the communities of New Jersey. I am so impressed with his commitment, his enthusiasm and open-armed policies, and I am sure we will accomplish much more under his administration," said Ms. Huk.

Ms. Huk, who speaks fluent Ukrainian and Russian, and has an excellent comprehension of Polish, has extensive public relations and editorial experience, and is also a published writer. Ms. Huk was the national secretary for the National Council of Women of the United States, an organization with over 25,000 members and the past chair of the New Jersey campaign to endow Ukrainian studies chairs at Harvard University. She served as national public relations officer of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America. She has also worked also with foreign students from 63 countries.

Ms. Huk received a B.A. in English/journalism and is working on an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is director of the Children Are Hope Foundation, which serves impoverished children of Ukraine and is the immediate past president of UNWLA Branch 18 (Bergen-Passaic).

The 45-member Ethnic Advisory Council has been established within the Department of State. The council makes recommendations to the governor regarding issues related to ethnic studies and programs offered in public schools, colleges and the state universities.

In addition, the council is responsible for increasing the participation of ethnic organizations in governmental affairs; providing community and social services; promoting ethnic and cultural events; developing policies affecting ethnic neighborhoods; and increasing knowledge and public awareness of ethnic history and culture. Members are appointed for two-year terms.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, August 31, 2003, No. 35, Vol. LXXI

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