EDITORIAL: The UIA does us proud (10/09/05)

EDITORIAL

The UIA does us proud

Just over three weeks ago we had the pleasure of attending a unique event in New York City. The occasion was Ukrainian First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko's reception for prominent women leaders. The venue: the beautiful and historic headquarters of the Ukrainian Institute of America, a building that has been called the crown jewel of the Ukrainian American community. The purpose of the reception, as noted on the invitation, was "to celebrate the cultural heritage of Ukraine."

As this afternoon reception took place during the World Summit at the United Nations, in attendance were the first ladies of Poland, Slovakia and Lebanon, and the wife of the U.N. secretary general, along with political and cultural figures, businesswomen, distinguished activists of charitable organizations, as well as leading Ukrainian American women.

All facets of the reception were praiseworthy, from the flower arrangements to the champagne and wines, hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and on to the performances by wonderful musicians and opera singers, and the art work and photographs on exhibit. (A complete description of the event appeared in The Weekly's September 25 issue.) The Ukrainian Institute of America, a French Renaissance mansion designed in 1898, looked fabulous. Everything seemed to be just so, every detail seemed to have been taken care of, and it was obvious that the women gathered at the reception were pleased - and impressed. In short, it was a wonderful afternoon that succeeded in showcasing Ukraine and its culture, and the Ukrainian American community as well. Mrs. Yushchenko deserves kudos and thanks for her initiative.

A great pat on the back is certainly deserved by the behind-the-scenes people who made this event what it was, among them the staff and leaders of the Ukrainian Institute of America, and volunteers Darka Temnycky, Melania Temnycky and Marta Kolomayets (in Kyiv).

As we surveyed the scene, we recalled that the philanthropist William Dzus had purchased the mansion that has housed the UIA since 1955 in the hope that the building located at this prestigious address would serve as a place to spotlight the Ukrainian culture. Dzus envisioned the UIA in its home located at 79th Street and Fifth Avenue as a Ukrainian ambassador to the world in the world's greatest city.

His son, Theodore Dzus wrote in 1978, "The Ukrainian Institute of America Inc. is the living embodiment of the dream of William Dzus, my father, of providing in the United States a repository for preserving, memorializing and reviving the rich traditional culture of Ukraine." Through the years, others have shared the dream of establishing a flourishing center of Ukrainian culture.

As we left the Ukrainian Institute of America on September 15 after the elegant reception hosted by Ukraine's first lady, we could not help but think how happy and proud the late William Dzus would have been. There was no doubt in our minds that he was smiling at this very moment.

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