Ukrainian heritage study center inaugurated at U. of Saskatchewan (05/23/99)

Ukrainian heritage study center inaugurated at U. of Saskatchewan

SASKATOON - The Prairie Center for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage was formally inaugurated during a dinner held at the Faculty Club at the University of Saskatchewan on April 17. The event was attended by 120 guests at the invitation of Dr. John Thompson, president of St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan.

Speaking to the gathering, Dr. Thompson described the effort and negotiations between the university and Ukrainian community of Saskatchewan which led to a partnership and the creation of the Prairie Center, an academic unit within St. Thomas More College. The Center will assess the Ukrainian Canadian experience and provide a learning environment committed to university-based instruction and research, as well as to the development of skills among young graduates who elect work within the community, explained Dr. Thompson.

The discussions that led to the creation of the Prairie Center identified four objectives that collectively define its mandate:

to engage the public in order to bring about a fuller understanding and appreciation of the national role that Ukrainian Canadians have played;
to broaden the interest in Ukrainian Canadian heritage by presenting it in a wider national context;
to assist Ukrainian Canadians, through education and community development, in their ability both to adapt and contribute to Canada's national culture in the 21st century; and
to bridge and enhance the natural connection between this important community and academia, while promoting the idea of living heritage as a vital and necessary component for its continuing viability and growth.

The inaugural ceremony also offered an opportunity to recognize publicly the commitment of Dr. Stephen and Michelene Worobetz to the Prairie Center as founders. Dr. Worobetz, a former lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan, commented that this was "a dream realized." He expressed his personal confidence that with "the promise of time" the Prairie Center would fulfill its mandate.

Dr. Thompson acknowledged the generosity of the Worobetz family and more generally the support of the Ukrainian Canadian community. "The personal, financial and political support of the community has been extremely gratifying," he said. "It points to the strong enthusiasm for both the project and the unprecedented university-community alliance upon which the center is based."

Sen. Raynell Andreychuk, a member of the board of honorary patrons, offered her greetings on behalf of the board. Addressing the audience, the Canadian senator highlighted the important role the Prairie Center will play in conveying the historical contribution of Ukrainian Canadians to the national life of the country to a larger portion of the public.

She also emphasized the role the center will play in reinforcing Canadian multiculturalism in the context of responsible citizenship. "The center will enhance our knowledge of a people who helped build a country in which the quality of life is unsurpassed. Their story and their contribution needs to be told both as a model and example of how diversity can work in building a strong national community," she stated.

Walter Podiluk a member of the center's advisory board and a key supporter of the initiative, shared with the audience his sense of the project's importance, characterizing it as "unique" and as an important milestone in the life of the community.

After the reception, Adrian Boyko, an advisory board member and former president of the Saskatchewan Provincial Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, expressed his view that the partnership with the university, which brought together important sectors of the community, is extremely significant. Noting the level of cooperation between the university and the Catholic and Orthodox communities, he stated, "The Prairie Center is an example of how to make effective use of the community's resources. It also represents a model for future possibilities across the country." Mr. Boyko added, "I strongly believe that this will serve as a catalyst in community development. I am hopeful for the future."

During the evening ceremony Dr. Thompson also introduced Dr. Bohdan Kordan, professor of political studies, as the new director of the Prairie Center for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage. In his inaugural remarks, Prof. Kordan spoke briefly about its goals, mandate and activities, and encouraged public support for the initiative.

For further information, please contact Dr. Kordan, (306) 653-5178.

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