Our Mission
Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation dba Ukrainian Catholic University Foundation (UCU Foundation) was founded in 1997 to support and fund the growth and operations of Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv, Ukraine. As the first Catholic university in the vast territory of the former Soviet Union, UCU is at the forefront of building a civil society in Ukraine, educating its students to be ethical and moral leaders of a new Ukraine. Through its fundraising activities in the United States, UCU Foundation assists UCU in meeting its educational and financial needs and supports its successes as the premier Catholic educational institution in Ukraine.
Our Impact
The Foundation has provided more than $15.7MM over the past 3 years to UCU for operations, institutes, and other university projects and programs.
Over $3.58MM has been raised and given towards scholarships for UCU students in the last five years.
This past year UCU Foundation funded a total of 217 named scholarships for UCU students, totaling $850,000 in support.
UCU Foundation stewards a $20MM endowment for UCU’s long-term sustainability.
Dear Supporters and Friends,
It is with deep satisfaction and gratitude that I share UCU Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report—a testament to the extraordinary progress made possible by your unwavering support.
This year marks a historic milestone for the Foundation. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Chrystia and Adrian Slywotzky, we established the Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund, honoring the compassionate teacher and visionary leader, Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak.
This Endowed Faculty Fund is the largest endowed fund in our history. Its transformative impact—alongside a record number of other newly created endowed funds and annual scholarships— sets a powerful foundation for UCU’s long-term growth and sustainability.
Our report, titled For UCU. For Ukraine. For the Future., reflects how you’ve supported UCU’s bold strides towards its Vision 2030. Covering our fiscal year (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025), some highlights include:
• Expansion of the Law School—now ranked #1 in Ukraine by Forbes Ukraine—into a full law faculty, preparing ethical leaders for a just society.
• Launch of a Bachelor’s Program in Robotics, advancing engineering innovation and supporting prosthetic technology for those affected by war.
• Opening of UCU’s largest academic building, a renovated historic building that now serves as a beautiful, sustainable, ADA-accessible space for learning and recovery.
These achievements are just a few of many. They all embody this UCU ethos—deeply rooted in faith and tradition, yet innovative and fearlessly forward-looking. Your generosity has fueled this momentum, empowering students, transforming spaces, motivating faculty, and advancing collaboration across Ukraine, as well as fostering remarkable partnerships abroad.
As you read this report, I hope you feel the profound impact of your support. This is your legacy in action. Thank you for standing with us, for Ukraine, and for the future.
May God bless you for your steadfast commitment.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to our Heroes!
Sincerely,
Annetta Hewko CEO, UCU Foundation
UCU Strategy 2030: Serving Ukraine and Beyond
Implementing the UCU Strategy 2030 has led to a myriad of projects that are bringing healing, justice and prosperity to Ukraine and the world at large.
UCU Strategy 2030 Drives Progress
Announced last year, UCU Strategy 2030 is gaining momentum as UCU continues to expand the ways it educates future leaders, heals the wounds of war, forges global partnerships that elevate both UCU and Ukraine, and leads the way for reform of higher education in Ukraine.
With these goals as the driving force, many projects have taken root and are flourishing at UCU. In its mission for service, UCU continually finds new ways to support both its students and Ukraine.
UCU Law School Works to Create a Just Society
In 2024, UCU Law School, though relatively new, was named the #1 law school in Ukraine by Forbes Ukraine. This remarkable success stems from its unique approach to teaching law, which emphasizes the values, global perspective, and critical thinking necessary to develop lawyers ready to build and administer a judicial system in a new Ukraine. Svitlana Khyliuk, Dean of the Faculty of Law, explains, “Legal education should be based on values, woven into the daily practice of the functioning of the law school. Only in this way will an almost sensory feeling of justice arise in the young person.”
“And then,” she adds, “legislation, courtroom practice, and international agreements become an instrument to help those whom the lawyer serves for the common good.”
To build on the law school’s success and continue to respond to society’s challenges, the Senate of Ukrainian Catholic University recently announced that it will expand the law school by creating a separate, dedicated law faculty in the 2025-2026 academic year. The new faculty will become an integral part of UCU and will form a new generation of ethically-minded lawyers to rebuild Ukraine. The new law faculty aims to set a new standard in U.S. and European-based legal education in Ukraine.
“We work together with structures establishing an anti-corruption infrastructure in Ukraine, the supreme court, and ministries, and we see a desire for discourse based on values and worldview.
We need a new generation of lawyers with a different value system to restart the system, and this is the goal of our law school.”
Svitlana Khyliuk, Dean of the Faculty of Law
UCU’s New Robotics Program Will
Rebuild Infrastructure and Lives
UCU has launched a bachelor’s degree program in robotics, providing practical skills in the areas of robotics, computer science, and artificial intelligence. The program will expand technological education at UCU and will contribute to the future of engineering in Ukraine. The expansion of the program was made possible by a major grant from the strategic launch partner Nova Ukraine, a prominent not-forprofit organization based in Northern California.
Robotics creates solutions for working in hazardous conditions, renewing infrastructure, and developing medical robotics, all of which will increase Ukraine’s competitiveness in the world market. In preparing students for careers in this growing field, the robotics program supports two pillars of the Strategy 2030: educating leaders for the new economy and working to heal the wounds of war. Robotics experts will be key in the process of rehabilitating the wounded and their reintegration into daily life.
Courses will be taught with leading engineers and partners in the industry, including Eleks, SoftServe, Renesas, Infineon, EdPro, and the Institute of Condensed Matter Physics (ICMP) of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
UCU’s Online Platform: From Lviv to the World
To fulfill its mission of expanding education and fostering modern education practices, UCU has expanded its online course offerings. With over 30 modules to choose from, young students and lifelong learners can learn from anywhere in the world with content developed by the best teachers of UCU and specialists in specific fields. Faculty includes top business leaders, professors and historians. Each course
“To prepare, for example, bionic prosthetics, experts in computer engineering are needed, because reading signals from muscles is a very complex computational engineering task. We will teach part of this in courses in the robotics specialization. Even the adaptation of a prosthesis for a person requires a specialist oriented to robotics.”
Oleh Fareniuk, Head of Robotics at UCU
is thoughtfully structured and includes a wide variety of specially designed materials for download. UCU online has taught over 21,000 students and continues to grow.
UCU Medical Clinic: Healing the Wounds of War
One of the early fruits of Strategy 2030, the UCU Medical Clinic has been operating for over a year, utilizing medical practicum and healthcare to heal the wounds of war and support Ukrainians with modern, accessible healthcare. It is a hub of qualified care, recognizing the dignity and sanctity of the human body and soul, and serving as a host to volunteer healthcare professionals, such as Michael Lewko, a U.S.-based rheumatologist.
The Clinic also provides the university with a key educational advantage. Students in the physical and occupational therapy programs get hands-on training in a multi-disciplinary environment at the clinic as part of their curriculum, helping to heal patients while gaining valuable field experience.
Historic Landmark Reborn: UCU’s Modern Hub for Healing, Law, and Health Sciences
The historic building on Sventsitskoho Street has been transformed into a revitalized academic building. This unique architectural landmark, built between 1924 and 1926, now houses UCU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the Center for Mental Health, the Center for Child Dignity, the UCU Law School, as well as the Institute of Spouses and Families, which are working to heal the wounds of war.
The reconstruction added much-needed classroom space and improved energy efficiency and wheelchair accessibility, creating a welcoming, modern space where mental health and physical therapists are trained. Psychological counseling is also offered to soldiers with PTSD as well as their families, volunteers and UCU students.
The Sventsitskyy Center is now the largest academic building on the extended UCU campus. It will be dedicated at the opening of the 2025-2026 academic year and represents UCU’s commitment to preparing its students for the future of Ukraine. ■
SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT
Decades of Faithful Support
Thomas Bocon donated over $187,000 to UCU Foundation during his lifetime.
Born in Malastiv, Ukraine, Thomas Bocon was one of 11 children. He fled the Red Army during World War II, eventually arriving in Syracuse, NY, and earned a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Syracuse University. Following his love of teaching, he obtained his Master of Science degree and spent his career teaching in the Syracuse district. He was an active parishioner in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church and very involved in the Ukrainian community; he helped many immigrants obtain the necessary documentation required for U.S. citizenship.
An avid skier, he also enjoyed traveling globally, making pilgrimages to Rome, Italy, for the celebration of the Millennium of Ukrainian Christianity and to the Holy Land, where he followed the footsteps of Jesus.
A classroom will be dedicated in memory of Thomas Bocon, a long-time supporter of UCU, who died in 2022 at the age of 100. Honoring her father’s last wishes, his daughter Oksana Fanok made leadership gifts in her father’s memory to support UCU’s mission and to support the renovation of the Sventsitskoho building.
From the Classroom to the Frontlines of Change
UCU’s combination of a world-class education and deep values makes it a transformative choice for many young people.
Roman Lozynsky, who received his master’s in Public Administration at UCU, is currently serving as a member of the Ukrainian Parliament. Committed to public service from an early age, he is a firm believer in the power of community. “I realized that if you want to make different changes in your society, in your community, even near your street or apartment building, you have to join some group of people who also have the same goals, the same ideology, and together you can act.”
Elected in 2019, he took a leave from office in 2022 following the full-scale Russian invasion to serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces for a year and a half. Since returning to Parliament, he has traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congress to seek support in the war against
Russia on issues like frozen assets, defense systems and sanctions. He is also the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Decolonization, working to counter Russian disinformation and to overcome Soviet and imperial distortions of Ukraine’s history.
An occasional guest lecturer at UCU, Roman is very aware of the deep lessons UCU affords its students.
“When I was studying at UCU, we talked about how to do things, what tools you can use to succeed. But we also talked a lot about values. What price are you ready to pay for something? Every day, you make decisions, sometimes for yourself, or your community, or your country. Then you try to find the values to guide you. This is something I learned at UCU – to stay around people who are passionate. If we have the right people around us who reinforce what we really believe, it means a lot. We can handle our challenges and keep going.”
Learn more about the impact of scholarships:
Eliza Rohotska is a fourth-year law student at UCU and a scholarship recipient. She is thrilled with her decision to attend UCU Law School and acknowledges it would not have been possible without scholarship support. She understands what makes UCU Law School unique. “It gives me the opportunity to not just study, but to grow spiritually and professionally, in a one-of-a-kind community.” She is grateful that donors invested in her future and in the future of her country. Ukraine will benefit greatly from young lawyers like Eliza, who can help form and nurture Ukraine’s future judicial system and culture of ethics. ■
YOUR IMPACT: Scholarship Support at UCU
511 named scholarships awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year
1,237 UCU students received some form of financial assistance
52% of all students in undergraduate and graduate programs received financial support UCU students come from the top 10% of high school graduates in Ukraine
Without scholarship support, many of these students would not be able to continue their education at UCU
$850,000+ was donated from U.S. donors for scholarships, including: $98,000 from UCU Foundation endowed scholarship funds
U.S. Support
• In total, 117 U.S. donors funded 217 named scholarships
• 11 Ph.D. scholarships
• 51 annual scholarships with room and board
• 57 academic annual scholarships
• 98 semester scholarships
29 seminarians were awarded named scholarships
Student requests for need-based scholarship support continue to increase:
• 2021-22: 189
• 2022-23: 270
• 2023-24: 389
• 498 students applied for need-based scholarships for 2024-25
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
On June 14, graduation ceremonies were held at Ukrainian Catholic University in the campus courtyard. Speakers included UCU Rector Taras Dobko and the Rector of the Holy Spirit Theological Seminary, Father Ihor Boyko. The festivities began with the Pontifical Divine Liturgy.
“Enter with the Lord into an atmosphere of growth in love together with your family, parents, friends, future colleagues. You will be able to do this because you have values in your heart. UCU has put the most valuable thing in your hearts — those values by which the university lives. These are more than knowledge, experience. These are treasures!”
Most Rev. Theodore Martyniuk, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Ternopil-Zboriv of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
“We are rediscovering the value of freedom and democracy, the value of Ukrainian culture, subjectivity, agency, and human relationships. Invite God’s wisdom and power into your lives, into your families, and into your relationships with people. May God’s peace be in your hearts, God’s wisdom in your thoughts, and God’s power to do good in your hands.”
Taras Dobko, Rector of UCU
“Today, we thank those who demonstrated their love to us: professors who didn’t let us give up; benefactors who supported and trusted us. I thank our families and friends who, all this time, were close by and didn’t let us lose heart. Thank whoever is now close by, because these people are witnesses of your internal struggle and growth. In time, we saw that UCU is much more than a university. It is a place where the future is born.”
Anna-Tereza Zherebetska, UCU’s 2025 salutatorian and a graduate of the Theology bachelor’s program of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology of Ukrainian Catholic University
“Our generation was destined to live in the most dramatic period of our country’s history. Its future will depend on our decisions or our inaction. We are now in a situation where the old rules no longer work. And the new rules are written by the Ukrainian army on the battlefield. The outcome of the war will not only determine the fate of Ukraine but also how the world will look in the next few decades.
If we do not deal with the onslaught of empire, the result will be a fear of power and a willingness to bow to power. Independence is a theorem that needs to be proven every day.”
Pavlo Kazarin, a Ukrainian journalist, publicist, TV and radio host, and master sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was the honorary speaker. His speech was a moving reflection on Ukraine’s pivotal place in the world today.
During the graduation ceremonies, the laureates of the “Teacher of the Year 2025” award were also recognized. This is the fifth time that UCU, based on submissions from students, graduates, and colleagues, has chosen the laureates for this award.
Oleh Fareniuk, Head of the Robotics Program, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies, Faculty of Applied Sciences
Zoryana Rybchynska, Head of the Department of Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities
Olga Yaskevich, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences
UCU’s Summer Programs Change Lives
From mastering the Ukrainian language at SOUL to teaching English at ESS, teachers, students and volunteers discover deep connection and unwavering resilience at Ukrainian Catholic University.
Over the summer, UCU welcomed participants from all over the world to almost two dozen different computer science classes, IT camps and immersive language programs. These initiatives go beyond the classroom, blending learning with cultural exchange and deep personal connection. We’re proud that many members of the UCU community in the U.S. take part in UCU’s ESS and SOUL programs, a true reflection of how meaningful these experiences are.
Summer Program at the School of Ukrainian Language and Culture (SOUL)
The Summer Program at the School of Ukrainian Language and Culture (SOUL) is the largest and most popular Ukrainian-as-aforeign-language program in Ukraine, hosting approximately one hundred students from over twenty countries every summer.
Each day consists of Ukrainian language classes, one-on-one tutoring, workshops or lectures about Ukrainian history, politics, economy, art, culture or contemporary issues. Afternoon and weekend excursions are conducted to immerse students in Ukrainian life and culture. Language classes are offered at all proficiency levels; students from beginning to advanced are welcome. University ECTS credits can be received on completion of the course.
English Summer School (ESS)
“I’ve done a lot of summer programs, and this one changed my life. I got to know the city of Lviv in new ways, I met fantastic new colleagues from around the world, people who are devoted to Ukraine, people that I stay in touch with. The teaching itself was first-rate.”
Melinda Haring, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, Senior Advisor for Razom
UCU’s English Summer School (ESS) invites volunteer teachers to join this transformative two-week interactive English language immersion program for UCU students. The teachers live alongside Ukrainian university students and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and resilience of this remarkable country, while helping the students improve their spoken English language skills.
No prior knowledge of Ukrainian is required— just an enthusiasm and willingness to share your time and expertise. The university provides meals and accommodations for all volunteers.
James and Colette Vail, ESS Instructors and Devoted UCU Supporters
James and Colette Vail were introduced to UCU through their positive experience as ESS volunteers during the summer of 2023. James is the former longtime administrator and President of Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey, and Colette is a retired teacher. They have generously supported UCU for the
past two years as annual scholarship donors and recently joined UCU Foundation’s Josyf Slipyj Legacy Society. James will be teaching a course at UCU on leadership in education in the 2025-26 academic year. He offered these thoughts about his experience with UCU students at ESS.
“English is the key that unlocks their paths to becoming world citizens. The 140 UCU students were required to speak only English as part of their studies.”
“These students have deep intellectual curiosity. We engaged in wide-ranging discussions on creative issues every day. They perform brilliantly, yet with the burdens of war on their shoulders, wondering if their futures will be stolen from them. I found them to be brilliant, insightful, and mature.”
“These UCU students collectively make a statement to the world: no matter what the Russians do to us and our nation, we will not fold, we persevere, we thrive, we will not allow them to steal our bright futures from us. We will rebuild our Ukraine better, fairer, and stronger than ever. How can any free person not support such a cause?” ■
James and Colette Vail
UCU Faculty and Leadership Inspire During U.S. Visits
Many UCU leaders and faculty members traveled to the U.S. this year to share their experiences, teach classes, conduct and present academic research, deliver moving talks and meet with UCU supporters. These international exchanges are an integral part of UCU’s Strategy 2030.
Taras Dobko, UCU Rector, met with long-term partners at the University of Notre Dame and was a special guest at the inauguration of the new President of the University. At the University of California, Berkeley, he met with the Provost and other leaders, as well as the Slavic Studies Department, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning innovators, and participated in a panel: Universities as Hubs for Innovation and Social Change in a World in Crisis. At Stanford University, Taras met with leaders of the Stanford Ignite Program and with a leading innovation strategist and venture capitalist investing in Ukraine. He gave the keynote address at the 33rd Annual Convention of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA), New Jersey and traveled throughout the U.S. with members of the Foundation team to meet with a broad community of UCU donors and friends.
Ivan Petrenko, Executive Director at the Ideas Center at UCU, Managing Partner at the Angel One Fund and UCU alumnus, traveled to California with the second cohort of the Stanford Ignite Ukraine entrepreneurs.
Sophia Opatska, Ph.D., Vice-Rector of Strategic Development at UCU, spoke at the University of Pennsylvania on the topic of “Business Resilience in Times of Conflict: Perspectives and Lessons From Ukraine.”
Taras Dobko delivers the keynote address at the XXXIII UNWLA Convention.
Ivan Petrenko moderates a panel discussion with participants of Stanford Ignite Ukraine.
Oksana Kovalska, Director at the UCU Medical Clinic, attended UMANA’s 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration and spoke at their scientific conference in New York City.
Svitlana Khyliuk, Dean of the Faculty of Law, spoke both at the University of Notre Dame and at the Ukrainian American Bar Association Annual Conference in Miami.
Tetiana Zakharchenko, Head of the UCU’s Bachelor’s Program in Computer Science, met with DePaul University in Chicago, part of a virtual exchange project between UCU and DePaul University, and is also currently pursuing studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as part of the GMAF (Global MIT At-Risk Fellows) program.
Visiting Professors at Notre Dame
UCU’s longtime partnership with the University of Notre Dame has resulted in many rewarding exchanges, and this year, they welcomed these visiting professors from UCU.
• Professor Volodymyr Turchynovskyy, Dean of the Social Sciences Faculty at UCU
• Fr. Yuriy Shchurko, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology at UCU
• Anatolii Babynskyi, Ph.D., research fellow at the Institute of Church History at the Ukrainian Catholic University — Dr. Babynskyi also held a private talk for UCU Foundation supporters, “The Pope’s Tightrope Walk: Walking a Narrow Line Between Diplomacy and Moral Clarity in the Context of Russian Aggression Against Ukraine.”
In March of 2024, the Ukrainian Studies Hub Inaugural Conference at the University of Notre Dame featured many UCU speakers.
The Ukrainian Studies Hub, spanning all schools and colleges at the University of Notre Dame, aims to bring together scholars and students focused on Ukraine—from anthropology and
political science to Ukrainian language, history, religion, and culture, among other fields. The Hub hosted its first biennial conference this year, “Revolutions of Hope: Resilience and Recovery in Ukraine,” with a program focused on faculty-led research, the arts, and policy collaborations. Many UCU faculty members spoke at this exciting conference.
• UCU President Archbishop Borys Gudziak
• UCU Rector Taras Dobko
• Andriy Kurochka, Head of the Development Department
• Volodymyr Turchynovskyy, Ph.D., Dean of the Social Sciences Faculty at UCU
• Yaryna Boychuk, CEO of the Ukrainian Catholic University Business School (LvBS)
• Sophia Opatska, Vice Rector for Strategic Development and the founding Dean of the UCU Business School (LvBS)
• Svitlana Khyliuk, Dean of the Faculty of Law
• Rev. Yuriy Shchurko, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology at UCU ■
The UCU and UCU Foundation staff at the Ukraine Studies Hub Inaugural Conference.
Anatolii Babynskyi, Ph.D.
Dr. Oksana Kovalska, Director of the UCU Medical Clinic, with Dr. Marta Lopatynsky, President of UMANA.
U.S. Events Create Lasting Impact
Our generous donors and devoted volunteers help cultivate a thriving, supportive UCU community.
New York Friends of UCU
21st Annual Luncheon
The 21st Annual Luncheon in New York City was a memorable gathering that raised over $387,000. Guests were inspired by speakers Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame and Sophia Opatska, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development, UCU, and energized by a lively paddle auction with generously donated gifts. Thank you to the dedicated New York Friends of UCU Committee, whose efforts continue to uplift the UCU community.
Chicago Friends of UCU 21st Annual Banquet
The Chicago 21st Annual Banquet welcomed nearly 200 guests with beautiful music, heartwarming fellowship and speakers Sophia Opatska and Michael Pippenger, Vice President and Associate Provost for Internationalization at the University of Notre Dame. The banquet raised over $282,000. We are so grateful to the Chicago Friends of UCU committee and our event volunteers for their tireless efforts.
Stanford Ignite Ukraine Reception
The second cohort of Stanford Ignite Ukraine, an accelerator program for Ukrainian entrepreneurs created in partnership between UCU and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, was celebrated at a networking reception held at the Stanford Faculty Club in Palo Alto, California. Hosted by the Ukrainian Catholic University Foundation and the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco, the event was an exciting blend of Silicon Valley leaders, talented Ukrainian entrepreneurs, and a community of people enthusiastically supporting the renewal of Ukraine.
Following the Stanford Ignite Program, the participants pooled their entrepreneurial spirit and appreciation, and created an online auction that showcased Ukrainian history, traditions, and talent. The auction raised $6,200, which will fund three semester scholarships for UCU students.
Cardinal Dolan Hosts Cocktail Reception in Support of Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund
His Eminence Cardinal Dolan hosted an intimate cocktail reception in support of the Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund. Held at his residence in New York City, the event was a very special evening and a unique opportunity to engage with supporters who share a commitment to advancing the mission of UCU and who provided significant support for the fund. We are so grateful to Cardinal Dolan for his hospitality and continued support of UCU.
UCU Supporters Generously Open Their Homes for Private Receptions
We are so grateful to donors who open their homes and support UCU with their hospitality and generosity. These intimate meetings are a part of what makes the UCU community one of a kind!
UCU
UCU donors and new supporters at a private reception at the home of David Pronchick and Dr. Tania Mykula Pronchick in Lexington, Mass.
Halyna Traversa and Bill Young graciously hosted a group of UCU supporters at their home in Florida for a waterside chat with the UCU rector.
UCU supporters Anisa and George Mycak warmly welcomed a group of supporters to their home in Florida to hear updates from UCU and UCU Foundation.
Rector Taras Dobko met with
UCU Rector Taras Dobko was a guest of honor at a private reception welcoming donors at the home of Lidia and Orest Bilous in Florida.
U.S. Volunteers Support UCU with their Time and Talent
The UCU community is filled with dedicated friends and supporters who lend their energy, experience, and time to ensure that UCU is able to educate the future leaders of a free Ukraine. At the Foundation, we are deeply grateful to our wonderful board members, Friends of UCU committees, and the many volunteers who have supported our events, hosted their own private events, shared their skills, knowledge, and networks with us and with UCU students, and included us in their prayers. You are the reason UCU is able to continue educating students and, through our role as supporters of the university, to begin healing our fellow Ukrainians.
For your time, creativity, and devotion to our mission, we offer you our sincerest thanks. We couldn’t do it without you.
For those of you who would like to learn more about the many rewarding volunteer opportunities at UCU Foundation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to work alongside you! ■
Meet the UCU Foundation Team
At the heart of the UCU Foundation is a dedicated team with a shared commitment to the UCU mission. We’re pleased to introduce you to the individuals who bring their skills and passion to work every day.
Annetta Hewko Chief Executive Officer
Annetta joined the Foundation as CEO in 2024. In the non-profit sector, she previously served as President and CEO of the Tourette Association of America, Vice President of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and consulted to missiondriven organizations. In the for-profit sector, she worked in several organizations. She was an executive at PepsiCo for 17 years. There, she led various countries and regions across the globe, starting with Ukraine, where she served as the first Country Manager immediately following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Annetta has served on Boards and Advisory Councils for non-profit and forprofit organizations. As a representative of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, she helped advocate at the UN for the women and children of Ukraine. Annetta and her husband reside in Connecticut with their two children.
One word that describes UCU to you: Excellence
Inya Chehade Chief Executive Officer
Inya has been with the Foundation since 2021. Her 30-year non-profit career includes senior development roles at the foundation of UMDNJ, Ukraine’s In-Country Director with the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund, and CEO of The Bridge, Inc. Inya is also a licensed social worker with a passion and commitment to mental health. She and her husband live in New Jersey and have enjoyed a full life of travel and adventure with their three curious and exuberant children.
One word that describes UCU to you: Innovation
Alexander B. Kuzma
Chief Development Officer
Alex has worked for the Foundation since 2010. He previously served as Development Director for the Children
of Chornobyl Relief Fund (1991-2006) and as an attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Hartford. The proud father of three musically accomplished daughters, he is himself a choral director of the Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble in Connecticut.
One word that describes UCU to you: Integrity
Yulia Komar
Director of Legacy Giving
Yulia has been with the Foundation since 2005. She is a graduate of UCU, class of 2000. She did her graduate studies at St. Paul University (Ottawa, Canada) and Boston College (Boston, MA) and worked as a researcher at the Institute of Church History at UCU. She resides with her husband and four children in Chicago and appreciates the vibrant life of the local Ukrainian American community.
One word that describes UCU to you: Vision
Olha Zarichynska
Director of Development
Olha Zarichynska, MPA, has been with the UCU Foundation since 2022. She graduated from UCU in 2000 and previously served as Deputy Director and then Director of UCU’s Development Department in Ukraine. She was also co-founder and the inaugural director of the Center for Lay Leadership, now the Institute of Leadership and Management at UCU. She is an active member of the Ukrainian-American community and a volunteer as a board member of multiple notfor-profit organizations in Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Olha’s daughter Daryna is also an UCU graduate and lives and works at UCU in Ukraine.
One word that describes UCU to you: Values
Lisa Tacker
Donor Database and Prospect Research Manager
Lisa has been with the Foundation for nearly nine months and offers over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She is proud to bring her expertise and deep commitment to mission-driven work to help advance the goals of UCU. She is excited to be part of a team making a difference.
One word that describes UCU to you: Hope
Volodymyr Goshylyk
Development Manager— West Coast (part-time)
Matthew Matuszak
Gift Processing and Office Business Manager
Matthew was a volunteer teacher of English and Latin at the Lviv Theological Academy (predecessor of UCU) starting in 1995. He had the great honor of being part of the Press Service of the Visit of Pope John Paul II to Ukraine in 2001. Residing in Chicago now, he has been at the UCU Foundation since 2009, and is glad to have the support of his wife and six kids.
One word that describes UCU to you: Steadfast
Volodymyr Goshylyk (Ph.D.) is an Affiliate Faculty at the Center for Studies in Higher Education, Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley, and President of Berkeley-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit Ukraine Matters. He is responsible for building and maintaining strong donor relationships on the West Coast, contributing to the Foundation’s fundraising strategy, and developing partnerships to advance sustainable growth and deepen the mission’s impact.
One word that describes UCU to you: Leadership
Oksana Kotys
Information Manager and Foundation Liaison to UCU
Based at UCU, Oksana has been part of the U.S. Foundation team for five months. For the previous nine years, she served as a Project and Program Manager at the UCU School of Law. She was part of the team that launched the master’s program in Human Rights at UCU in 2016 and the bachelor’s program at the UCU School of Law in 2020. She teaches International Public Law in the Law and Ethics, Politics, and Economics programs, as well as Human Rights in the Social Work program.
One word that describes UCU to you: Service
Mark Jakubowycz
Chief Financial Officer (Fractional Basis)
Mark joined the Foundation on a project basis in 2024 and has since transitioned into the CFO role. His career includes more than 30 years in metals manufacturing, the bulk of which was in aerospace. Mark is an active member of the Ukrainian American community and is currently President of Plast - Ukrainian Scouting Organization USA. Mark has served on for-profit and non-profit boards and as a business advisor.
One word that describes UCU to you: Execution
UCU Foundation Honored with Significant Estate Gifts
Mychajlo Ciapa Estate
UCU Foundation received a generous $100,000 gift and a stamp collection from the Mychajlo Ciapa Estate. Mr. Ciapa was a librarian at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, and was actively involved in many Ukrainian organizations. Among his cherished accomplishments were the publication of memoirs about his native village, Mozolivka, Ukraine, and a multi-volume collection of stamps.
Mr. Ciapa has been supporting UCU since 2005. His legacy will live on through The Mychajlo Ciapa Endowed Scholarship Fund, the icon of Saint Josaphat of Polotsk, a Patron of Ukraine, that Mr. Ciapa founded at the University Church of Holy Wisdom of God, and his collection of international stamps at the UCU Library.
Dr. Betty Louise Lumby
Dr. Betty Louise Lumby has loyally supported UCU Foundation’s mission since 2000 and included a $5,000 legacy gift in her will. A native of Detroit and an accomplished organist, she served as professor of music and university organist at the University of Montevallo for 55 years and was a state chairman of the American Guild of Organists for many years. She was also the music director and organist at several area churches, including St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook. A devout Roman Catholic, Dr. Lumby was the Titular Organist for St. Bernard’s Abbey.
Eternal gratitude and eternal memory to our generous legacy and lifetime donors!
■
From left to right: Yulia Komar, Vera Andrushkiw†, Mychajlo Ciapa†, Joseph Solimini.
DONOR GENEROSITY
Benefactor’s Circle
ENDOWMENT SUPPORT
UCU for Future Generations
Benefactor’s Circle recognizes dedicated supporters who have laid a strong foundation for the flourishing and sustainability of Ukrainian Catholic University through an endowed fund.
A strong endowment provides secure financial foundations for the university, increasing its ability to withstand future challenges and embrace new opportunities for growth and innovation.
You are welcome to join this visionary group and become a permanent partner in building a free and prosperous Ukraine for future generations with your endowed fund.
Anonymous (4)
Luba Bac†
Yaroslav Bazylevych and friends
Ivan Bereznicki† and Marianna Bereznicki Chajkowski
Boston Friends of UCU
Michael and Irena Boyko†
Olena Boyko
Friends of Bryon Brindel
Veterans’ Brotherhood “Brody-Lew”
Guy and Carolyn Camarata
Joanne Celewycz with family and friends
Alexis Cenko
Bohdan and Maria Chaban
Mychajlo Ciapa†
Dr. Stephen and Olha Dudiak†
Roman† and Eleanor Fedorak
Dr. Alexander and Jaroslawa Gudziak†
Gudziak, Kurey and Hengesbaugh
Families, James Greenwald and other friends
Dr. Gregory and Maura Harris, Steven Harris and Raina Wissing, Dr. Andrew and Nicole Harris
The Heritage Foundation of First Security Savings Bank
Orest Hrycyk with family and friends
Michaeline Iwanyckyj
Oksana Khanas
Kolomayets Family with Selfreliance Foundation and friends
Dr. Alexander and Anna Kosenko
Michael and Olha Kowalchuk†
Taras and Ksenia Kozbur†
Oleh and Vera Krup
Kulchyckyj Family
Dr. Lubomyr† and Daria Kurylko
Kuzycz Family
Kyzyk Family
Rev. Deacon Yourij and Zoria Malachowsky†
Larissa Muzyczka†
Anisa Mycak and Dr. Jurij Savyckyj
Charles and Erlinda Neubecker
Oksana Ohar
Iryna Osadchuk
Juliana Osinchuk
Dr. Kevin and Jean Parker
William Petrach†
Mychajlo and Lubomyra Pezansky†
Dr. Leon Prockop†
Adrian Saluk
Self Reliance NY and New York Friends of UCU
Myckola Schwetz with family and friends
Dr. Vladimir and Nadia Shkilnyk†
Adrian Slywotzky and Christine Balko Slywotzky
Stefan and Wolodymyra Slywotzky
Maria Moroz Smith
Nancy Stecyk
Dr. George and Roma Temnycky
Yuriy Vytanovych
Wolodymyr† and Katrusia Wolowodiuk
Dr George and Jaroslawa† Szczerbaniuk
Szmagala Family
Michael Szypula and family
Ukrainian National Women's League of America
We also thank all donors who made contributions to the Fallen Heroes Endowed Scholarship Funds, The Bohdan Solchanyk
Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund, and The Yevgeniia, Yaryna, Dariia and Emiliia Bazylevych Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Endowed Funds Created in 2024–2025
During the fiscal year 2024-2025, UCU Foundation expanded and grew its endowment to the largest amount in its history. The book value of the endowment — which is the total amount of original donations — increased by 50%, from $9.5 million to $14.2 million. The fair market value — which reflects the current worth of the endowment including investment gains — grew by 39%, from $14.2 million to $19.8 million.
The Dr. George and Roma Temnycky and Family Endowed Associate Professorship Fund
Dr. George and Roma Temnycky are members of the UCU Foundation Advisory Council. Along with their family, they have generously supported UCU for 28 years. The family has donated $250,000 to establish an endowed fund to support the teaching and academic work of
dedicated professors at UCU in perpetuity. “We want to ensure the university stays competitive and continues to attract and retain its world-class faculty,” said Dr. George and Roma Temnycky. “UCU’s students are the best in Ukraine. They deserve the best faculty in Ukraine. We love supporting UCU’s students with scholarships, which creates a tremendous impact one student at a time. We hope to create an even greater impact on hundreds of students’ lives through this endowed associate professorship.”
The Michael and Dr. Roman Osinchuk Endowed Professorship Fund
An internationally acclaimed pianist and music educator, Dr. Juliana L. Osinchuk of Tucson, AZ, has supported UCU’s mission since 2009. She started The Michael and Dr. Roman Osinchuk Endowed Professorship Fund to honor the legacy of her uncle and father. The fund will support
teaching and academic work of UCU professors at the Department of Humanities, primarily in the field of cultural studies and history.
Michael Osinchuk was a well-known Ukrainian iconographer, painter and muralist. A graduate of the Academy of Arts and Krakow University, he studied Byzantine icons and mosaics and was an expert in Eastern European Galician icons. His polychrome paintings in Ukrainian Byzantine style adorn over a dozen churches, including St. George Cathedral in Lviv.
Dr. Roman Osinchuk was a respected and well-known physician and a civil leader both in Ukraine and in the U.S. He founded the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and served as its president and editor of its medical journal. He was the organizer and first president of the World Federation of Ukrainian Medical Associations. A member of
Dr. Roman Osinchuk
Michael Osinchuk
The Temnycky Family
the Shevchenko Scientific Society and a full member of the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences, he published over 250 popular articles on health care and over 40 scientific articles in clinical medicine. Dr. Osinchuk was also a founding member of the Patriarchal Movement and a professor at Ukrainian Catholic University in Rome, actively promoting a formal recognition for the Ukrainian Catholic Church as a patriarchate and affirming Ukrainian religious and cultural identity in the diaspora.
The Mykola Hayevoy Endowed Fund | The Ivan Paramonov Endowed Fund
Two endowed scholarship funds were initiated by UCU last September to honor the memory of two fallen heroes, UCU alums who died defending Ukraine: Mykola Hayevoy and Ivan Paramonov.
Mykola Hayevoy received a master’s in History from the Faculty of Humanities of UCU. Originally from Uzhgorod, in Goryany, Mykola had a religious education and was always interested in Ukrainian history. Mykola joined the army at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion and served in the 95th separate airborne assault unit (Polish Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine). He was killed by Russian invaders in the Kursk
region. The loss of this fine mind and strong character is a loss for all of Ukraine.
Ivan Paramonov was a graduate of the UCU Institute of Leadership and Management, Executive Director of the Shtuka NGO (formerly the Idea Workshop NGO) and a recipient of the “Light of Justice” award for moral, spiritual, and ethical leadership. He had a special desire to promote Ukrainian identity among young people and believed passionately in the future of Ukraine. Ivan died during a combat mission in the Kharkiv region. He had joined the ranks of the Armed Forces voluntarily in February of 2024, because “he could not watch from the window how his country is suffering.”
UCU and UCU Foundation have raised nearly $150,000 for these funds.
The Yevgeniia, Yaryna, Dariia and Emiliia Bazylevych Endowed Scholarship Fund
wife and 3 daughters were killed when a Russian rocket hit their apartment building in Lviv. Dariia, 18, was a bright and promising second-year student and scholarship recipient at Ukrainian Catholic University. She had planned to spend her life promoting Ukrainian culture.
This tragic loss has moved people all over the world, and donations have come in from many who did not know UCU or this family. Over $163,000 in donations were raised to honor the memory of the Bazylevych family.
The Dr. Alexander Kosenko Family Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Yevgeniia, Yaryna, Dariia and Emiliia Bazylevych Endowed Scholarship Fund was created by UCU and Yaroslav Bazylevych, the only surviving member of the family of five: his
Dr. Alexander and Anna Kosenko
Dr. Alexander and Anna Kosenko pledged $500,000 over ten years to fund scholarship support for Ukrainian war veterans, their immediate family members, active-duty servicemen and servicewomen, and their immediate family members who enroll in any degree program at UCU.
Dr. Kosenko is a member of the Renal Physicians Association and the American College of Physicians. His family is originally from Eastern Ukraine, and were labeled as enemies of the people by Communists; some were shot or deported to Siberia, some died in the Red Army in World War II or in German slave camps. His father managed to survive both Soviet and German occupations, and after living in a camp for displaced people, he immigrated to Venezuela. The Kosenko family moved to the U.S. in 1963,
Mykola Hayevoy Ivan Paramonov
The Bazylevych Family
and Dr. Alexander Kosenko received his MD at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Mexico and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the South Baltimore General Hospital, MD. He is a Nephrology specialist in Pennsylvania with almost 50 years of experience. His fund is a special tribute to the legacy of his family and his way to thank Ukrainian defenders and their families for their service and sacrifice. Three sons of Dr. Alexander and Anna Kosenko studied at the UCU School of Ukrainian Language and Culture and are supporting Ukraine, following in the footsteps of their parents.
The Areta Vytanovych Halibey Endowed Scholarship Fund
Jurij Vytanovych created the Areta Vytanovych Halibey Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of his beloved sister Ruta, who passed away in 2022. Ruta was born in 1932 in Lviv, but during World War II, the family had to leave their home for a refugee camp in Germany and later emigrated to the U.S., settling in Chicago. Ruta earned three master’s degrees and worked for government agencies and university libraries. She was passionate about sports and active in the UkrainianAmerican community. A dedicated member of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Ruta also taught in Ukrainian schools in Syracuse and Chicago. The fund will support
deserving undergraduate or graduate students at the Department of Social Sciences with a yearly scholarship, including room and board.
The Olha Zarichynska and John Kurey Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Olha Zarichynska and John Kurey Endowed Scholarship Fund was established at the initiative of Archbishop Borys Gudziak by the family and friends of John Kurey and Olha Zarichynska as a wedding present to the couple. The fund is in honor of their leadership and dedicated work for Ukrainian Catholic University and Ukraine, and celebrates both their impactful work and their marriage. John incorporated UCU Foundation in the U.S. and later served as its President and Executive Director. Olha, a UCU alum, founded the Lay Leadership Center, which later became the UCU Institute of Leadership and Management, and then headed the UCU Development Department for many years. The Kurey and Hengesbaugh families, together with Roma and Marko Gudziak, Guy and Carolyn Camarata, Charles and Erlinda Neubecker, James Greenwald and other friends, contributed over $160,000 to create the fund that will support prominent UCU students who will be serving the Church.
The Tania (Sasyk) Kuzycz and Yurij Kuzycz Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Kuzycz family is honoring Tania (Sasyk) Kuzycz and Yurij Kuzycz by establishing a permanently endowed scholarship fund in their names. Esteemed members of the Chicago UkrainianAmerican community and active members of and contributors to numerous Ukrainian organizations, Tania and Yurij have been dedicated supporters of UCU since 2001. This fund will stand as a lasting tribute to their enduring commitment as well as their family’s deep love for Ukraine and hope for its future.
The Maria, Roman and Irene Koczerzuk Endowed Scholarship Fund
Dr. Gregory and Maura Harris are honoring the legacy and Ukrainian heritage of their mother Irene and her siblings by establishing The Maria, Roman and Irene Koczerzuk Endowed Scholarship Fund. Irene, Maria and Roman were children of Rev. Julian and Sophia (Turchan) Koczerzuk, who led a simple but active life in various towns and villages in Western Ukraine. Their children, Maria Koczerzuk Hrynevych, Roman Koczerzuk and Irena Koczerzuk Harris were all educated in schools in Ivano-Frankivsk.
The Kuzycz family
Olha Zarichynska and John Kurey
Areta Vytanovych Halibey
World War II tragically separated this devoted family, but Julian and Sofia’s legacy was continued in the U.S. by their daughter, Irena, who wanted to assist the Ukrainian Catholic Church further. She continued her father’s work by contributing to the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and as an early and loyal patron of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv. Irene Koczerzuk Harris’s commitment to the Ukrainian Catholic Church was instilled and grew in her three sons: Steven Harris, Dr. Andy Harris, MD and Dr. Gregory Harris, MD.
The Mychajlo Ciapa Endowed Scholarship Fund
The Mychajlo Ciapa Endowed Scholarship Fund was funded with a legacy gift of $50,000 from the Mychajlo Ciapa Estate. A long-time supporter of UCU, Mr. Ciapa was an active member of the University of Michigan’s academic community in Ann Arbor, MI, and was involved in numerous Ukrainian organizations. His endowed fund will provide scholarships for veterans and members of their families, as well as other promising students who are preparing for leadership roles in society, studying social sciences, law, politics, non-profit-management and related disciplines. (Please read more about Mr. Ciapa on page 42.)
The Yuriy Arabskyi Endowed Scholarship Fund
Oksana Khanas is honoring the memory and legacy of her dear friend Yuriy Arabskyj with an endowed scholarship fund in his name to support UCU students in law, especially those who lost one or both parents. A native of Lviv, Oksana built a successful career in Chicago, spanning multiple industries. She is the Founder and President of Casapolis Ltd and My Taxes Company; the Co-founder of the Chicago Grand Gallery; and the Founder of Eventus Hall Chicago—vibrant venues dedicated to hosting meaningful artistic and community events.
Oksana’s lifelong friend, Yuriy Arabskiy, was a man whose life was defined by purpose, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his family, community, and country. Yuriy pursued higher education at the Lviv Polytechnic University, Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, Canada, and the Karpenko Institute of Physics and Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. After completing his studies, he embarked on a career in business consulting. He founded several companies that played a key role in privatization processes and in attracting foreign investment to Ukrainian enterprises. His work helped shape the modern Ukrainian business landscape, opening doors for growth and international collaboration. Yuriy was more than a businessman—he was a mentor to a generation of young entrepreneurs. Known for his sincerity and wisdom, he offered guidance
freely and celebrated the achievements of others with genuine joy. At the heart of Yuriy’s life was his family, whom he cherished above all. His love for Lviv was equally profound. His goodness was shown, not just through words, but through actions. On September 4, 2024, Yuriy tragically lost his life during a missile strike on Lviv while trying to protect his family. His final act was one of courage and selflessness, emblematic of the life he led.
The Wasyl and Oksana Ohar Endowed Scholarship Fund
Oksana Ohar is a founding member of the Ann Arbor branch of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and a long-time supporter of UCU. She was among the hundreds of Ukrainian refugees who came to Michigan after World War II. Together with other members of UNWLA, she dedicated her life to preserving Ukrainian cultural and religious heritage, spreading the truth about Ukraine, volunteering and contributing to charitable causes. The Wasyl and Oksana Ohar Endowed Scholarship Fund for The Study of Applied Technical Sciences will support students pursuing a degree in Applied Sciences, based on merit and financial need.
Oksana Ohar
“Metropolitan Gudziak’s faith, leadership, and bravery will inspire faculty and students for years to come. We are honored to support the endowed faculty fund established in his name.”
Vera Trojan and Mark Carthy
To be part of this extraordinary opportunity and have your donation doubled, scan the QR code below or visit ucufoundation.org.
The Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund
Ukrainian Catholic University Foundation Receives Transformational $2.5 Million Gift to Establish the Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund
This year, a transformational gift was made to UCU Foundation, honoring teacher and visionary Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak. Established by generous donors Chrystia and Adrian Slywotzky, the Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund is the largest-ever endowed fund at the UCU Foundation. It serves as a tribute to Archbishop Gudziak, whose long career encompasses great intellectual achievements along with a devotion to God, service, empathy, and community. Through this endowment, his legacy as an inspirational teacher will live on by helping the University attract and retain faculty members who embody his values and principles.
Unprecedented Match Opportunity
All gifts received in 2025 will be matched dollar for dollar.
To underscore their commitment to UCU’s faculty and future, the Slywotzkys will match up to $1M of all additional funds designated to The Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund through the end of 2025, potentially bringing the fund’s total to $4.5M. “We hope that hundreds of other donors will contribute to this endowment,” said the Slywotzkys,
“just as they have so generously contributed scholarships for the very best students of UCU.”
As of August 2025, the fund had already reached more than 50% of the $1M goal.
UCU Foundation Endowment Benefits Generations of UCU Students
Endowed funds are invested and maintained in perpetuity, providing a permanent source of funding. A strong endowment will enable UCU to maintain the highest quality faculty members now and in the future and will help to secure a financial foundation for the university. Bolstering faculty at UCU is especially vital for ensuring that the university can continue to attract and educate the most talented students who may otherwise choose to leave Ukraine to study or live abroad.
“UCU will now be on a similar footing with established American universities whose endowments assure outstanding faculty in perpetuity, and this will inspire students to want to study here,” said Taras Dobko. “This is a pivotal moment for UCU, allowing us to grow our faculty with professors who embody the ideals, talents and character of Archbishop Gudziak. What a gift to UCU and its future students!” ■
Institutional Partners
UCU Foundation is grateful for the support of our exceptional institutional partners — many of whom have supported UCU from its inception. We also welcome and thank our new partners.
The University of Notre Dame’s Hesburgh Library Word of Life mural is lit in the colors of the Ukrainian flag in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Ukrainian-American Organizations
Omelian and Tatiana Antonovych Foundation
Basilian Fathers in the United States
Basilian Sisters
Basilian Spirituality Center, Fox Chase Manor, PA
Canada-Ukraine Foundation
Chicago Friends of UCU
Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church, Boston, MA
Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, Serhiy Koledov, Consul
Consul General of San Francisco, Dmytro Kushneruk, Consul
CYM Ukrainian American Youth Association
Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Bohdan Danylo, Eparch
Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago, Benedict Aleksiychuk, Eparch
Eparchy of Stamford, Paul Chomnycky, Eparch
Greater Boston Friends of UCU
Greater Cleveland Friends of UCU
House of Ukraine, San Diego, CA
Hromada Hromovytsia Dance Ensemble of Chicago
Immaculate Conception Parish, San Francisco, CA
Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, Palatine, IL
Los Angeles Friends of UCU
Lypynsky East European Research Institute, Inc.
Metropolitan Archeparchy of Philadelphia, Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan Archbishop
Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute, Ottawa, Canada
Michigan Friends of UCU
Naples Friends of UCU
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Los Angeles, CA
New York Friends of UCU
Nova UA Federal Credit Union, Clifton, NJ
Nova Ukraine
Philadelphia Friends of UCU
Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization
Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Parish, Parma, OH
Razom for Ukraine
Revived Soldiers Ukraine
Salvatorian Mission Warehouse
San Francisco Friends of UCU
Self Reliance Association of American Ukrainians, NY, NY
Self Reliance Foundation and Self Reliance Federal Credit Union, Chicago, IL
Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union, New York, NY
Shevchenko Scientific Society
St. Basil College, Stamford, CT
St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Belfield, ND
St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, New York, NY
St. Josaphat Cathedral, Parma, OH
St. Josaphat Seminary, Washington, D.C.
St. Joseph the Betrothed Parish, Chicago, IL
St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Chicago, IL
St. Nicholas Cathedral, Chicago, IL
Sts. Volodymyr & Olha Parish, Chicago, IL
Suma Yonkers Federal Credit Union, Yonkers, NY
Sunlight Ukraine Project
The Heritage Foundation of First Security FSB
The Maria-Hulai-Lion Foundation
The US - Ukraine Business Council U.S.Ukraine Foundation
Ukraine Action Coalition
Ukrainian American Bar Association
Ukrainian American Veterans Association
Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation - Canada
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America
Ukrainian Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
Ukrainian Education and Cultural Center, Jenkintown, PA
Ukrainian Institute of America, NY, NY
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Chicago, IL
Ukrainian Medical Association of North America
Ukrainian Museum-Archives, Cleveland, OH
Ukrainian Museum, NY, NY
Ukrainian National Association
Ukrainian National Museum, Chicago, IL
Ukrainian National Women’s League of America [UNWLA]
Ukrainian Patriarchal Society
Ukrainian Self Reliance Federal Credit Union of Philadelphia
Ukrainian Studies Fund
Ukrainian Women’s League of North America
Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble of Connecticut
U.S.-based Universities
Calvin University
Fordham University
Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute
Indiana University
Loras College
Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Manor College, Jenkintown, PA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Nanovic Institute of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Seton Hall University
Skalny Center for Polish and East European Studies, University of Rochester
Stanford University
Thomas J. Dodd Center for Human Rights,
University of Connecticut
University of California, Berkeley
University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut School of Business
University of Connecticut School of Law
University of Notre Dame
University of Rochester
University of Rochester Press
University of San Francisco
Villanova University
Others
American Schools and Hospitals Association (USAID)
Archdiocese of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Association for Slavic, East European, & Eurasian Studies, Catholic University of America
CNEWA
EWTN Global Catholic Television
Jamestown Ukraine Relief Project
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
Napa Institute, Napa, CA
National Endowment for Democracy
Passionist Nuns of St. Laius County
Raskob Foundation
St. Ambrose Catholic Parish, Brunswick
The Koch Foundation
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Archdiocese of Chicago
Financials
Below are unaudited financials for our 2025 fiscal year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) compared to prior year. Once completed, the final audited financials will be published on our website.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Revenue & Support
Grants, Endowment Additions, & Expenses
General Operating Support
Unrestricted gifts have the greatest impact and are critical to sustain the University’s operations. They also provide essential, flexible funding for innovative initiatives and allow the university leadership to address top priorities as the needs arise.
Student Scholarships
UCU Foundation raises funds to support student education at all levels of learning at the university to ensure that the brightest students in Ukraine can receive a world-class education.
Professorships
UCU Foundation raises funds to support professorships. These funds support UCU professors’ academic endeavors, research development, and salaries so UCU can retain and attract the most talented and effective professors and visionary scholars in the country.
Endowed Funds
UCU Foundation manages a $20MM Endowment Fund in the United States which is comprised of 77 established endowed funds. The Endowment Fund continues to expand annually and ensures the sustainability and future of UCU. Dividends are distributed annually to support the university. Individual funds support a variety of needs, including scholarships, professorships, academic research and programs.
Board of Directors
Taras Szmagala, Jr. Director, Chairman and President
Nataliya Anon Director
Nancy Boitnott
Director
Anne Chermak Dillen
Director
Natalia Klymovska Director
Dzvinka Kryshtalowych* Director
Andrew Lencyk* Director and Secretary
Boris Lushniak Director
Catherine Stecyk Director
*Through February 2025
Staff
Annetta Hewko
Chief Executive Officer
Mark Jakubowycz
Chief Financial Officer (fractional)
Alexander B. Kuzma
Chief Development Officer
Inya Chehade Chief Growth Officer
Yulia Komar Director of Legacy Giving and Endowments
Olha Zarichynska Director of Development
Volodymyr Goshylyk Development Manager – West Coast (part-time)
Lisa Tacker Donor Database and Prospect Research Manager
Oksana Kotys Information Manager and Foundation Liaison to UCU (based in Lviv, Ukraine)
Matthew Matuszak Gift Processing and Office Business Manager