Canadian students' group to meet at 49th annual congress in Ottawa (07/14/02)

Canadian students' group to meet at 49th annual congress in Ottawa

OTTAWA - A unique location and proximity to Ukrainian hubs may mean the difference for Canada's largest Ukrainian student organization.

On the eve of its 50th anniversary, the Ukrainian Canadian Students' Union (known by its Ukrainian acronym, SUSK) is holding its 49th, but perhaps its last, annual congress this month in Ottawa.

The number of registrants committed to attending the July 19-21 has not yet reached a number which would demonstrate that the future of the organization, at least for the next year, can be considered stable.

Begun in 1952, the national organization has gone through many ups and downs in the last half-century. But this year, with the national executive stepping down, and no expressed interest yet for a new incoming one, the future looks bleak for the union, at least in the short term.

"That can all change very quickly - it has happened many times before in SUSK's history," said outgoing President Pavlo Horbal, adding that SUSK shares many similarities with SUSTA, its U.S. counterpart. "So long as we dedicate ourselves to finding enthusiastic people to take over our jobs," he added.

"I think we need to do anything possible to encourage young blood to get involved," he noted.

Mr. Horbal said that most of the outgoing executive, who number 13, have either graduated or are masters degree students - not the main focus group of a union which seeks to serve undergraduate students. He also noted that rising costs in airfare and tuition fees over the last few years may play a large role in discouraging students to spend the money necessary to travel across the country to participate in the three-day event.

But Mr. Horbal and the congress organizing committee hope that a number of factors will bolster attendance this year in Ottawa. Having the event in the capital, which is close to eastern Ukrainian Canadian hubs like Montreal and Toronto, should help increase attendance from last minute "road trippers," they believe. Also, having it in a non-traditional location like Ottawa should encourage students who have not explored the capital to extend their stays and see the city as well.

"We're hoping that students will be attracted to this congress based on the fact that it's in Ottawa," said congress organizing committee member Norman Villegas. "There's a lot to see and do here, like the many museums, Parliament, the summer festivals and Quebec."

The event begins Friday evening, July 19, with its traditional wine and cheese party. Congress proceedings will take place all day Saturday, when new delegates can get a feel for what SUSK is all about. Saturday night will feature a short reception with the Chair of Ukrainian Studies from the University of Ottawa, which helped tremendously in the organization of the weekend. Saturday night will be an evening out on the town in Ottawa's trendy Byward Market. The incoming executive will meet for a short roundtable meeting on Sunday morning.

The cost of the congress this year, as in all years, is $100. This includes all meals, two-nights' accommodations and entertainment. Mr. Villegas added that anyone wishing to extend their stay in Ottawa before or after the event is welcomed to contact him and arrangements will be made with the local Ottawa Ukrainian student population.

Mr. Villegas, a graduate student of political science at the University of Ottawa, is serving out his last few weeks as vice-president for the Laurentian region. "It's been a great two years, but I feel that a younger, hipper student would better fill my shoes in the future," he stated.

Students (and others) can e-mail Mr. Villegas at paulnormanvillegas@hotmail.com, or contact the SUSK Congress Hotline at (613) 722-6142 to register or for more information.

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