Ukrainian Graduates of Detroit/Windsor support Ukrainian Heritage Room

WARREN, Mich. - The Ukrainian Graduates of Detroit and Windsor held a luncheon and silent auction at the Ukrainian Cultural Center on Sunday, April 21, for the purpose of raising funds for the restoration of the Ukrainian Heritage Room at Wayne State University.

With approximately 150 people in attendance, the program began with introductory remarks by master of ceremonies Stephen Wichar. Col. Oleh Cieply gave a slide presentation of the various national heritage rooms in Manoogian Hall, ending with the Ukrainian room as it appears today, with one wall decorated by a beautiful and unique relief map of Ukraine and complementary figures originally created by Edward, George and Jerome Kozak, and recently restored by Jerome.

After lunch, the program continued with the introduction of Volodymyr Mayorchak, a young Ukrainian artist who has been commissioned by the Ukrainian Graduates to complete the restoration project. Mr. Mayorchak brought sketches of his renderings for the remaining walls of the room.

One wall will be covered with a large mural depicting key figures from Ukrainian history and culture, while the next wall will contain decorative wooden carvings using Ukrainian motifs, a display cabinet for Ukrainian art objects, and carved wooden benches. The remaining wall contains the blackboard, which will be encircled with the same decorative carvings. Finally, Mr. Mayorchak spoke about the entry door, which will be covered with a carved "Ukraine" sign, a carved tryzub, and a relief of St. George and a serpent, representing the battle between good and evil in which the Ukrainian nation has been involved throughout its history.

Mr. Mayorchak thanked the Ukrainian Graduates for giving him the opportunity to work on this extensive project, and he expressed his hope that the entire local Ukrainian community will be able to see it after completion.

Following the presentations, questions were raised regarding the projected date for the completion of the restoration, as well as the estimated costs. Mr. Wichar stated that the original costs had been figured at approximately $60,000, but that the final figure may be a little less. The Graduates have been working very diligently on fund-raising for nearly two years, and it is hoped that the project can be completed by next spring.

Monetary pledges are always welcome, and all donations are tax-deductible. Persons donating $1,000 or more will have their names permanently cast in bronze on a plaque which will be mounted in the Heritage Room.

A musical interlude by the Soyuzianky Singers, who were accompanied on the piano by Olga Solovey, concluded the official program. These six attractive young women presented a repertoire of Ukrainian folk melodies and one modern American song, "Angels Among Us," underscoring the theme of support for a worthwhile cause.

Throughout the afternoon, those present had the opportunity to bid at the extensive silent auction, with a variety of art and decorative objects, books, small appliances, gift certificates and even a week's stay at an oceanfront condominium in Florida. The auction was pronounced a great success, with all but a few items sold before the closing.

Donations may be sent to: Ukrainian Graduates of Detroit and Windsor, P.O. Box 92415, Warren, MI 48092-0415.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 2, 2002, No. 22, Vol. LXX

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