The Kościuszko Foundation is one of the oldest Polish diaspora organisations promoting scientific and cultural cooperation between Poland and the United States. On the occasion of its centennial, the institution was honored with, among other awards, the University of Warsaw Medal.

The Kościuszko Foundation’s mission is to facilitate the exchange of researchers and artists between Poland and the United States. The institution awards scholarships for research stays in the United States in three categories: Kościuszko Foundation Fellowship, Kościuszko Foundation Grants, and Kościuszko Foundation Teaching Fellowship. The Foundation also supports academic activities and promotes Polish culture in the United States. Scholars from the University of Warsaw also receive grants and scholarships awarded by the institution.

Centennial Gala

On 23rd October the Kościuszko Foundation Centennial Gala took place at the Palace of the Commonwealth in Warsaw. The event was attended by, among others, Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, former Presidents of the Republic of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski and Bronisław Komorowski. Among the guests were also delegation from the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Representatives of the University of Warsaw included Rector Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak and Chancellor Robert Grey. The Rector of the University of Warsaw presented the Foundation with the University of Warsaw Medal – a distinction that recognises individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to the university. During the anniversary celebrations, the Foundation was also honored with the Medal of the Senat of the Republic of Poland and the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture. The President of the Republic of Poland awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland to Alex Storozynski, former President of the Foundation and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees, a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Meeting with Alex Storozynski

On 22nd October Alex Storozynski was a guest at the University of Warsaw. The Faculty of Journalism, Information, and Book Studies organised a lecture during which the speaker shared his personal family history and experiences with surveillance in Poland in 1985. The event was held under the honorary patronage of the Rector of the University of Warsaw.