1982: a look back: The UNA... (12/26/82)

1982: a look back

The UNA...

1982 was a banner year for the Ukrainian National Association as its 30th Regular Convention was held in Rochester, N.Y., on May 24-28.

It was a banner convention, too, as the vice-president of the United States, George Bush, delivered a major policy address on U.S.-Soviet relations on the concluding day of the convention, and as delegates voted overwhelmingly (295 to 46) to continue negotiations with the Ukrainian Fraternal Association toward a merger of the two largest Ukrainian fraternal organizations.

The convention re-elected Supreme President John O. Flis, Supreme Vice-President Myron B. Kuropas, Supreme Director for Canada Paul Yuzyk, Supreme Secretary Walter Sochan and Supreme Treasurer Ulana Diachuk, Supreme Vice-President Mary Dushnyck and Supreme Organizer Wasyl Orichowsky were narrowly defeated by, respectively, Gloria Paschen and Stefan Hawrysz.

The convention also voted several by-laws changes, the most important of which eliminated the position of supreme organizer effective July 1, 1986, and instead provided for a chief organizer to be hired by the Supreme Executive Committee.

Another highlight of the convention was the premiere of Slavko Nowytski's documentary film on the Ukrainian experience in the United States from the first immigrants to the present. The hourlong film, two years in the making, had been commissioned by the UNA in April 1980. According to Mr. Nowytski, who introduced his film to UNA convention participants, the film is not a chronology and it "addresses the heart rather than the mind."

With the UNA convention successfully completed, the new Supreme Executive Committee held its first meeting on July 22 at the main office, and the Supreme Assembly met in an extraordinary session (since the by-laws do not provide for an annual session during a convention year) on September 18-19 at Soyuzivka. Organizing strategy was the major topic of the assembly meeting.

As usual, the UNA awarded scholarships to qualified students of Ukrainian descent in the United States and Canada. A record $48,000 was awarded to 149 students in 1982, thus bringing the total amount of scholarship aid distributed to students since the formal institution of the UNA program to nearly $280,000.

In addition, the Ukrainian National Association announced the establishment of the Roman Slobodian Scholarship Fund in memory of the long-time UNA treasurer who had passed away on May 20, just four days before the convention.

There was news at the UNA's estate, Soyuzivka, too, as Walter Kwas, manager for over 25 years, announced his retirement in January. In April a new face arrived at Soyuzivka - George Prokopec came to take over the Soyuzivka manager's duties under the direction of legendary hospodar Mr. Kwas.

On July 31, Soyuzivka was hit by a tornado that knocked out power and toppled several huge trees. Thankfully, the worst of the damage was merely the cancellation of that evening's outdoor dance.

Also of note in 1982 was The Weekly's answer to the oft-asked question: "Why are UNA executives 'supreme'?" The answer, "tradition, tradition," appeared in an article in the July 4 issue.

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