To win Ukraine’s future, we must invest in Education
On November 2nd, the Ukrainian Catholic University Foundation held its 22nd annual Charity Luncheon – an event that drew 260 guests and raised over $550,000 in support of one of Ukraine’s most renowned institutions of higher learning.
In contrast to previous years, this was the first time that the Foundation moved its annual event from Manhattan to the outer borough of Queens where the gala attracted new guests from Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island, as well as long-time supporters from the northeast.
The program at Russo’s on the Bay began with a moving benediction from Father Ivan Tyhovych, pastor of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Brooklyn, followed by a traditional greeting dance (“Pryvit”) performed by members of the acclaimed Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of New York under the direction of Orlando Pagan.
Honoring the Distinguished Friends of UCU
The November 2nd gala honored two outstanding individuals who have long been supportive of the UCU mission: Leonard Mazur, CEO of Citius Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Eugene Holuka, the Vice-President of Physician Development and Outreach for the Northwell Medical System. Both men had collaborated in the procurement of millions of dollars of medical supplies for Ukraine during the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Dr. Holuka had leveraged his networks to provide ambulances and other critical supplies for which he was awarded the 2023 Order of Merit by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
UCU Foundation’s CEO Annetta Hewko hailed Mr. Mazur as a “champion of Catholic education” as he has not only supported UCU, but also worked with local philanthropists to save his former high school – West Catholic in urban Philadelphia which has now restored its financial solvency and achieved a 100% college admission rate for its graduates. “Catholic education literally saves lives,” said Mr. Mazur, pointing out how West Catholic has provided educational opportunities for inner city youngsters and helped them move out of poverty.
In his acceptance speech, Mazur stated “helping UCU is really critical. That school is teaching and building the future leaders of Ukraine and lifting the yoke of Communism.”
“Support the institution that stands against Russian aggression”
Dr. Holuka told the audience “This award means a lot to me as a kid who grew up on the Lower East Side and worked many jobs to work his way through medical school.” He encouraged the audience to support UCU as an institution that is standing up to Russian aggression. “Especially now when there are these forces trying to erase our faith, our culture, our language.”
New Allies of UCUF
Later in the program, UCU Foundation also recognized a new ally – Mitchell Weiss – the Chief Clergy/Community Liaison to the New York Police Department – who helped to recruit six tables of new guests and sponsors to the charity gala. Among these were the American Maritime Service Officers Association, the Freedom View Coalition, colleagues from Northwell Health Systems, and various Catholic fraternal organizations. Mr. Weiss was honored with a special plaque signed by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak and various New York dignitaries.
The Voice of the Church and the Voice of UCU’s Leaders
Master of Ceremonies John Kurey introduced a brief video greeting from His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan who had visited UCU in 2022 and who has been outspoken in his support for UCU.
Following a film about UCU’s most recent accomplishments, the program featured a dialogue between Annetta Hewko and UCU’s President Archbishop Borys Gudziak and current Rector – Dr. Taras Dobko. Ms. Hewko asked both leaders to comment on what makes UCU unique in its approach to education and public service.
After a century of genocidal waves, Ukraine needs restoration
Archbishop Borys reflected on Ukraine’s traumatic history where over 15 million people were killed during the 20th Century in what he called “repeated genocidal waves”. To combat historical trauma and to help students and faculty overcome decades of Soviet oppression and Russian colonialism, the Archbishop emphasized that the University strives to look at human beings in an integrated way, to recognize their God-given human dignity.
This was echoed by Dr. Dobko: “We have a commitment to the holistic development of the individual, not only in the language of the mind, but from the language of the heart.” Dr. Dobko stated that UCU’s values are based on students’ profound understanding that there is something greater than themselves. “They are not haunted by fear or panic. They are committed to public service and building meaningful relationships – a powerful sense of community.”
Archbishop Borys added that “UCU students are prepared for what is happening around them. They can look Death in the eye, and you can see how they live – with courage and moral fortitude.”
Gratitude to the Community and Global Connections
Ms. Hewko thanked the New York Friends of UCU Committee that has for many years worked to make each year’s November gala a resounding success, raising millions of dollars for UCU, and mobilizing many new friends to support UCU’s mission.
The Ukrainian Catholic University has forged powerful ties with leading universities around the world, including the University of Notre Dame and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
The UCU Foundation is planning other major fundraising events in the new year, beginning with a Soiree in Chicago on February 21st, followed by a banquet on March 26th in Naples, Florida.
How to Support UCUF
To support UCUF, tax-deductible donations may be made on line by visiting the Foundation’s website:
www.ucufoundation.org
Author: Alexander Kuzma