Polish American Congress of Michigan
Scholarship Fund, inc.
‘Invest in the Future’
Annual Dinner
Pac of Michigan Home Office
August 16, 2023
This year we decided to host this event at a different venue…the PAC office in Hamtramck, Michigan. This is a way of introducing the home office to the scholarship recipients with the hope that they may be aware of what the Polish American Congress is about and possibly get interested and become involved.
Whether it has been one year or many years, we thank you for coming to this event and supporting the students who apply and have received scholarships.
We also appreciate all of our “Invest in the Future” donors. This fundraiser was organized in 2015 and since then has raised over $33,000.00. Those who have donated $100.00 or more will be acknowledged on a plaque which will be displayed here at the home office. Last year’s plaque is still up, so stop and look at it. Donations are still accepted.
A special thank you to Barbara Lemecha. Although she has a busy calendar, she still volunteered to prepare a delicious meal for you, our special guests. We also appreciate the delicious desserts prepared by Kerrie Westphal and Barbara Kulas, relatives of our Scholarship Recipients, Alec and Olivia Westphal.
Thanks is also extended to PRCUA, PNA and Joann Ozog for donating the complimentary items that each of you received today, Grace Ozog for formatting the program booklet and Eleanor Bielenda for the donation of raffle prizes.
Enjoy the evening! Meet the Scholarship Recipients! Socialize and relax with one another!
Officers of the Michigan pac scholarship fund, inc.
Ann Bankowski (Chairman of the Board)
Wallace M. Ozog (President)
Christopher Adamczyk (Vice-President)
Robert Bielenda (Treasurer)
Joann S. Ozog (Recording Secretary)
program
Welcome
Mark A. Ozog-Master of Ceremonies
Invocation
Alec Westphal- Scholarship Recipient
DINNER
Introduction of officers & special guests
Mark A. Ozog
Introduction of recipients
Gabriela Andrzejewski presented by Ann Bankowski
Alec Westphal presented by Christopher Adamczyk
Olivia Westphal presented by Stella Szczesny
Abigail Frances Wrzesinski presented by Mark Ozog
Brief remarks
Wallace M. Ozog-President
Ann Bankowski-Chairman of the Board
raffle
Christopher Adamczyk -Vice-President
Stella Szczesny-Member
With assistance of scholarship recipients
Introducing our 2023 pac of Michigan
Scholarship recipients
Gabriela Andrzejewska is in her first year at Central Michigan College of Medicine. Her major is Dr. of Medicine (M.D.) and her GPA is 3.85. During her undergraduate studies, she was in Honors College where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree and also a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Gabriela has worked as a translator for companies, community schools, hospitals, individual-families, Polish patients and doctors. She has promoted the Polish language at the CMU library by reading Polish language books to children.
At school, she volunteers at My Mich Health Center, Phi Delta Epsilons, ER Department and Infusion Cancer Surgical Center. She also volunteers at the Physical Therapy Unit in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Gabriela has the ability to integrate her exceptional knowledge and skills with her Medical training and interests. Gabriela has received the Dr. Stanley A. Ozog Grant.
Alec Westphal is in his last semester at Oakland University and is majoring in Elementary Education with a Minor in Social Studies. His grade point average is 3.56. Alec is a very involved individual. He assists PRCUA Zajaczyk Dance Ensemble, as well as, PRCUA Zakopane Dance Ensemble wherever and whenever they need assistance.
He volunteers at Blessing House at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church by setting up tables and arranging food and clothing that is provided to those in need. On outdoor clean up days, you will see Alec helping out at St. Albertus Catholic Church. He also helps at Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church Fish Fry events. Alec volunteers as a Catholic Youth League Basketball coach at St. Mary Catholic School, his alma mater and after graduation will be one of the Varsity Basketball coaches. He helps his 94 year old neighbor with anything she needs in order for her to continue to live independently.
Alec tries to help wherever he can and as much as he can because he knows, what comes around, goes around and he has been fortunate to receive so much from others. Alec has received the Dana Witkowski Grant.
Olivia Westphal is in her third year of college at the University of Detroit Mercy. Her major is nursing and her GPA is 3.89. Olivia is a member of PRCUA and is a former member of Zajaczyk Dance Ensemble and presently, a member of the Zakopane Dance Ensemble. During her dancing years, she has proudly shown her Polish heritage by performing at many festivals, Detroit Tigers Polish American Night and Jimmy Johns Polish American Night.
Olivia has volunteered at the Pope Francis Center by providing vital services to individuals experiencing homelessness and also, assists at the Blessing House at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church by setting up food and clothing to those in need.
Besides dancing with PRCUA Zakopane Dance Ensemble, Olivia is also on the University of Detroit Mercy Dance Team and Volleyball Team and the National Student Nurses Association, Inc. Olivia has received the John and Victoria Kushel Grant.
Abigail Frances Wrzesinski is attending Oakland University. Her Major is Sociology and she has intentions of attending Law School. Abigail is a member of PRCUA and PNA. She enjoys sharing her Polish heritage with others because she feels that it is very important to preserve our culture for future generations. In her younger years, she became a member of PRCUA Opole Dancers which gave her the opportunity to experience many beautiful Polish customs and to appreciate her wonderful Polish heritage. She believes that many her age, don’t know what their heritage is, let alone, even care to celebrate.
For six years, Abigail has volunteered for the American Cancer Society and for three years, she was on the Anchor Bay-Bay Rama “Art on the Bay” Committee. Abigail has received the Frank and Sophia Filipek Grant.
Congratulations!
To our 2023 PAC of Michigan Scholarship Recipients.
Wishing you much success and….
When the time comes, remember to give back so that you can make a difference for some future student.
2023 “Invest in the future”
Make a difference scholarship donors
As of August 9, 2023, the following donors have donated $100.00 or more in the “Invest in the Future” Make a Difference Scholarship Appeal. Their names will be displayed at the PAC office for one year. Thank you to everyone who made a donation, whether large or small. Donations are still being accepted.
Donna bielecki
Stanley & stephenie bienkowski
Lawrene chominski jr.
Tadeusz & Eugenia gorecki
Sally klamerus
(In Memory of Thaddeus Klamerus)
Mandzuik & Son Funeral Directors, Inc.
Daniel & Jolanta Misteravich
Wallace & Joann Ozog
(In Memory of Mary Ellen Tyszka)
Waldemar & Annette raczkowski
Patricia sikora
Suzanne sloat & ray okonski foundation
Chester & nancy szczotka
Henryk & Stephanie szkolnicki trust
Rev. Stanley A. Ulman
Janina H. Zmurkiewicz
(In Memory of Helena Zmurkiewicz)
The Polish American Congress (PAC) is a U.S. umbrella organization of Polish-Americans and Polish-American organizations. Its membership is composed of fraternal, educational, veterans, religious, cultural, social, business, and political organizations, as well as individuals.