NOTES ON PEOPLE (09/14/03)

NOTES ON PEOPLE

Earns D.D.S. degree from SUNY-Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. - This year Mother's Day was especially wonderful for Dr. Zenovia Didoshak-Kuncio. On May 14, she and her son Daniel walked together in the commencement procession at the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dentistry. That day, Mr. Kuncio received his D.D.S. degree from his mother's alma mater. His dad, Stephen Kuncio also is a graduate of State University of New York; his degree is from the engineering school.

Mr. Kuncio was always an excellent student. He graduated at the top of his class from Manhasset High School, where he excelled in math and physics, as well as tennis. He then attended Cornell University, where he received a B.S. in mechanical engineering and played varsity tennis. However, the more he became involved in engineering, he noticed how much he missed being in a more people-oriented profession. Eventually, he realized that in fact his mother's profession combined both - the mechanics of dentistry and helping people. He then decided to follow in his mother's footsteps and applied to dental school.

While studying dentistry, Mr. Kuncio spent time doing research on a mechanical device used to expand the palate, an interest born from his sister's orthodontic needs. He applied and was accepted to the highly competitive orthodontic residency at Montefiore Hospital in New York City, a three-year program that leads to board certification in orthodontics.

Mr. Kuncio attended the School of Ukrainian Studies in New York City, belongs to Plast and spent many summers at the Vovcha Tropa and Novyi Sokil campgrounds. He has always enjoyed going to Soyuzivka, where as a teenager he won several tennis championships. He, as well as his mother and sister Taissa, are all members of Ukrainian National Association Branch 234.

Graduates with two degrees from Stanford University

NEWTON, Mass. - Danya Smith Pastuszek, daughter of Ellen Smith and William Pastuszek Jr. of Newton, Mass., received a B.A. in English with honors and a master's degree in psychology simultaneously from Stanford University on June 15.

She is the granddaughter of William J. Pastuszek, who is an honorary member of the Ukrainian National Association's General Assembly, and Theodozia Pastuszek, who is the secretary of Branch 231.

The entire family are members of UNA Branch 231.

Notes on people is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of members of the Ukrainian National Association. All submissions should be concise due to space limitations and must include the person's UNA branch number. Items will be published as soon as possible.

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