Association of the Sons of Poland Present

• PostEagle
• June 30, 2013
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Celeste Oranchak Presented With Meritorious Service Award

During her tenure as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Felician College, Celeste Ann Oranchak, believed in access and opportunity for all  individuals, especially our youth, and has worked tirelessly to provide access to those unable to afford it through her service with many not-for-profits. In this position, she has raised significant scholarship support for the college’s deserving students to help relieve their financial burden.

Celeste received her baccalaureate and master’s degrees from New York University and has served on numerous not-for-profit boards. She has been recognized for her service by these organizations: the Outstanding Young Women of America, JERSEY JOURNAL Woman of Achievement, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award, Fryderyk Chopin Award from the Polish-American Heritage Commission and the Polish American Congress Arts and Culture Award.

In photo above: Frank Knurowski, President of the Association of the Sons of Poland presents award to Celeste Oranchak who was accompanied by her daughter, Lila Min. The presentation took place at the Sons of Poland Scholarship Fundraiser which was held in March of this year (2013).

Additionally, Celeste has served as an instructor for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Bayonne, NJ for 20 years and co-chaired the parish’s 80th anniversary celebration with Richard Romelczyk.

Why does the Association of the Sons of Poland host a Scholarship Fundraiser? It enables us to keep our community informed of this benefit for High School Seniors who are insured members of our Society; gives Honor and Acclamation to a deserving individual or organization who has expressed the value of education; makes the community at large aware of the need for higher education, its costs and how we, as an organization, can help.

Why the Sons of Poland Meritorious Service Award? It enables us to honor an individual or organization whose value and concern for higher education has been eloquently demonstrated through leadership, accomplishments and commitment serving as an inspiration to others; to formally acknowledge respect for action and deeds which confirm the unique value of every individual, the majesty and unending possibilities of the human mind and the enormous potential which exists in every person; to express gratitude for an outstanding leader or organization whose efforts reflect the Association’s commitment to the education of our children for the benefit of society and the future.

2008 First Scholarship Fundraiser
Our First Honoree…
Richard J. Hunter, J.D., M.A., A.B. is a Professor of Commercial and International Business Law and Economics at the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University. He has attended and received degrees and certificates from the University of Notre Dame, The John Hopkins School of International Economics, Soviet and Eastern European Studies at Harvard University, and the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. He has been instrumental in securing higher education, especially at Seton Hall University and is a Mentor in the finest portrayal of an educator.

2009 Scholarship Fundraiser
Our Next Honoree… THE KOŚCIUSZKO FOUNDATION
In 1923, the Polish American Scholarship Committee was established by Dr. Stephen Mizwa to provide higher education at American Universities for Polish students. By 1925 it was changed into a Foundation and living memorial to Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish general, patriot and hero of the American Revolution. The mission of the Kościuszko Foundation expanded to include Americans whose higher education encompassed the history and culture of Poland as well as the education of Polish Americans.

Today, over one million dollars is disbursed annually to Polish Americans and Polish students. Membership and participation at annual fundraisers such as the Debutante Ball held each spring at the Waldorf Astoria, provide the funds for this noble organization to continue to enrich the educational and cultural lives of both America and Poland.

2010 Scholarship Fundraiser
Our Honoree… CHRISTINE KUSKOWSKI
The Teaching English in Poland Program sponsored by the Kosciuszko Foundation and in association with UNESCO of Poland and the Polish Ministry of Education is a program whose initiator and Director since 1995 has been Christine Kuskowski. As volunteer Director of this program,  Mrs. Kuskowski was given the Medal of the Commission of National Education of the Republic of Poland, the highest award bestowed on an individual for outstanding merit in the field of education. It was awarded by the Minister of Education, Ryszard Legutko at a ceremony held in Warsaw, Poland with a reception held afterwards at the Warsaw office of the Kosciuszko Foundation.

A retired educator, Mrs. Kuskowski is a member of the Polish Teacher’s Association: The Kosciuszko Foundation’s Holocaust Studies Committee, National Council and Pro-Arte League; and the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Professional Women’s  Association.

2011 Scholarship Fundraiser
Our Honoree… THE POLISH UNIVERSITY CLUB OF NEW JERSEY
The Polish University Club of New Jersey was conceived in 1928 by a group of male Polish-American college graduates, who formed the Polish Collegiate Club and in 1928 the name was changed to the Polish University Club of New Jersey. The organization blossomed through the years promoting cultural activities and awarding scholarships. In 1931, the wives of the members of the Polish University Club organized an Auxiliary with the same goals. In 1953, the Club expanded the realm of its activities by inaugurating the Institute of Polish Culture at Seton Hall University. Then, in 1982, the Polish University Club of New Jersey opened its doors to woman graduates, and shortly thereafter the Auxiliary members became a part of the Club.

The Polish University Club of New Jersey has always taken great pride in supporting young adults who are striving for higher education. In order to promote this interest, it has awarded many scholarships to deserving students. A total exceeding $500,000 has been awarded to more then 500 students pursuing their educational goals. Money for the Scholarship Fund is raised from contributions of past recipients, members, friends, bequests and the proceeds from social affairs.

2012 Scholarship Fundraiser
Our Honoree… THE MARIE SKLODOWSKA-CURIE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC.
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Professional Women’s Association Inc. was founded in June, 1996. The goals and objectives of the organization are charitable and educational and strive to promote the cultural, social and economic advancement of its members, foster patriotism among them and maintain high standards of integrity and honor. MSCPWA also promotes activities for the good and welfare of Polish-Americans, utilizing all legitimate means to better their standing, and participates in community affairs.

Any woman engaged in or retired from a business or profession who resides in the United States, who by birth or descent is of Polish Heritage and/or who believes in the objectives and ideals of MSCPWA is eligible for membership.

For more information about the Association of the Sons of Poland, write, 333 Hackensack St., Carlstadt, NJ 07072 or call 201-935-2807. Visit www.SonsofPoland.org