Ukrainian Technological Society honors Romankiw (01/10/99)

Ukrainian Technological Society honors Romankiw

by Marta Pisetska Farley

PITTSBURGH - The Ukrainian Technological Society of Pittsburgh, held its 29th annual dinner-dance on Saturday, November 28, and honored the 1998 Ukrainian of the Year, Lubomyr T. Romankiw, Ph.D.

Criteria for the award are: excellence in technological or professional accomplishments; contribution to the perpetuation of Ukrainian heritage; and humanitarian achievement.

As a scientist in the field of electrochemical technology, Dr. Romankiw is a holder of over 50 patents. He was instrumental in developing technology for IBM, which increased the density of magnetic storage for computers. As Dr. Romankiw put it, we should be proud that in our computers there is a "Ukrainian."

As a contributor to the perpetuation of Ukrainian heritage, Dr. Romankiw has been active and creative in the Plast Ukrainian Youth Organization. Dr. Romankiw has been elevated to the position of chief scout (nachalnyi plastun), the highest honor bestowed by this youth organization. Dr. Romankiw has served as executive board member of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, as well as in other organizations.

As a humanitarian, Dr. Romankiw devotes serious efforts to the recognition of Plast within the International Scouting Organization, based in Geneva. He has fervently worked towards the growth of Plast in Ukraine and promotes its contribution in forming a new generation of Ukrainian youth.

The Pittsburgh community welcomed Dr. Romankiw at the University Club of Pittsburgh.

The dinner-dance was attended by 100 guests, among whom were three debutantes: Ulyana Panchisin, escorted by Stephen Haluszczak; Nicole A. Reinhart, escorted by Ryan Reczek; and Luba Tyala escorted by Orest N. Konecky. Luba Hlutkowsky, impresario and president of the Pittsburgh branch of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America, organized and introduced the young ladies and their escorts.

Charles P. Kostecki, UTS president, greeted the Ukrainian of the Year, past presidents of the Ukrainian Technological Society and past recipients of the award. He thanked the Ukrainian community of Pittsburgh for its enthusiastic support of the society's goals, especially its Ukrainian of the Year Award.

Marta Pisetska Farley and Michael Korchynsky nominated Dr. Romankiw as Ukrainian of the Year for 1998. The proclamation, signed by the president, Mr. Kostecki, and secretary, Debra A. Walenchok, was presented. The elegant proclamation was executed in oil by Kathy Boykowicz, a design artist.

Dr. Romankiw shared his experiences of growing up and being educated in Canada and the United States. As a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he was pursued by many companies. IBM "won his hand." There, he contributed to the technological revolution with his inventions. Using Boston as his stomping grounds, he was active in many facets of Plast activity and in student organizations. He encouraged all to work for the benefit of Ukraine, as well as their adopted country.

Mr. Kostecki offered a toast to the Ukrainian of the Year 1998, and the dinner guests saluted him with a resounding "Mnohaya Lita." The Rev. Steve Repa, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church of Carnegie, Pa., offered a blessing for the gathered. A splendid dinner followed, with dancing to music by the Fred Yasnowski Orchestra.

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