NEWS AND VIEWS: Petro Jacyk Educational Foundation: promoter of Ukrainian scholarship (06/21/98)

NEWS AND VIEWS

Petro Jacyk Educational Foundation: promoter of Ukrainian scholarship

by Marko Stech

Established in 1986, the Petro Jacyk Educational Foundation (PJEF) has become a leader among Ukrainian organizations supporting the development of Ukrainian scholarship and culture on an international level. Permanent university programs and scholarly centers at universities such as Harvard, Columbia, the University of London, the University of Alberta, and the University of Toronto, give witness to the solidity of PJEF program structures and objectives.

One activity currently under way that highlights the foundation's influence on international opinion about Ukraine and Ukrainians, is the preparation of the English-language edition of Mykhailo Hrushevskyi's History of Ukraine-Rus'. Volume 1 of this monumental work was published in 1997 and received a very positive response from international scholars.

In 1997, the foundation also created another important program, the Distinguished Fellowship at Harvard University, designed for exceptionally gifted Ukrainian scholars, scientists, artists, and politicians working in a wide variety of fields. Select individuals will have the chance to spend one year at Harvard, conduct research, deliver lectures, and, most importantly, establish contacts with leading American specialists in their field and to become a part of the international academic community.

These are only two of over ten programs that have already been established by the foundation. Every year new programs are created and new projects initiated. However, these ventures have been undertaken over a relatively short period of time and have been financed by one individual. What if several individuals were to join forces with the foundation to perpetuate a similar long-term vision and to work constructively to improve the international status of Ukraine and Ukrainians?

Inspired by this idea of a unified effort, the Petro Jacyk Foundation recently decided for the first time in its history to appeal to other Ukrainians to join in its work by establishing Permanent Name Funds at the foundation. These funds can support any number of virtually independent programs named after their founders. We are currently preparing several new programs that could be funded by outside donors, including a program to nominate Ukrainian writers for the Nobel Prize and to publish their works in English translation, and the creation of an award for those who combat crime and corruption in Ukraine. Again, these are only two upcoming projects chosen from an endless array of potential programs. The possibilities for your cultural and educational contribution - from scholarship funds to large international projects - are endless.

If you are seriously interested in helping develop Ukrainian education, scholarship, and culture on an international level, in a long-term effort geared toward achieving lasting results, join forces with the Petro Jacyk Educational Foundation. In your work for Ukraine and Ukrainians, you will benefit from our past achievements and will also be able to take advantage of our special legal status, international contacts, experienced leadership, and effective professional management. Together we will accomplish more than we could individually.

More information about the various avenues for involvement in the foundation's charitable work can be obtained from PJEF Managing Director Dr. Marko Stech at: Petro Jacyk Educational Foundation, 1260 Eglinton Ave. E., Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 1K8; telphone, (905) 238-0467, fax: (905) 625-8445.

Two new members of foundation board