The Kosciuszko Foundation, one of the most famous and valued Polish organizations, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand Centennial Ball at the legendary Plaza Hotel in New York City on April 26, 2025. The event featured a Gala this year, during which people who contributed to the development of the Kosciuszko Foundation and who served on the Kosciuszko Foundation Council for a long time were honored with the KF Medal: Joseph E. Gore, Wanda Senko, Hanna Chroboczek Kelker, Ph.D., Alexander Koproski, and Ewa Radwanska, M.D., Ph.D.
Barbara Bernhardt, Vice President of the Kosciuszko Foundation, was the master of ceremonies.
In his remarks, Alex Storozynski, Chairman of the KF Board of Trustees, compared the KF to the cavalry, which always comes to the rescue if someone needs it. He recalled the Foundation’s founder, Stephen Mizwa, a Polish immigrant, originally Szczepan Mierzwa, who significantly impacted the United States. Born in 1892 in Rakszawa, Poland, he arrived in America in 1910 and worked various jobs while pursuing his education. The Polish Community helped Miezwa attend Harvard University, where he completed a master’s degree. He became an associate professor of economics at Drake University, and he did not forget the help he received; he decided to help others. He was instrumental in fostering Polish American academic exchanges.
President KF Marek Skulimowski was named by Alex Storozynski “Polish Indiana Jones” for his efforts in recovering artwork stolen during the Second World War.
That was a great speech by Alex Storozynski.
This historic event marked a century of the Foundation’s dedication to promoting educational and cultural exchanges. This mission continues General Tadeusz Kościuszko’s legacy, reflecting a commitment to enriching both nations’ academic and artistic lives.
We celebrated this extraordinary anniversary in the company of the Foundation’s members, supporters, and friends from all over the United States and Poland. I was deeply grateful to be one of them.
The Kosciuszko Foundation was established in 1925, building on the earlier Polish American Scholarship Committee founded by Stephen Mizwa in 1923. Its initial focus was to raise funds to support Polish students studying in the United States and facilitate the exchange of professors and scholars between Poland and the U.S. The first scholarships, awarded in 1926, enabled nine Polish students to attend prestigious American universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia.
During World War II, the Foundation redirected its efforts to relief aid for Poland, including educational support for Polish soldiers and refugees interned in Switzerland and those training in Scotland. After the war, with Poland under Soviet influence, the Foundation maintained its commitment to cultural and educational exchange, though it became more challenging to facilitate direct scholar exchanges. The Foundation also promoted Polish culture and history in the U.S. during this period, including organizing major events such as the 400th anniversary of Copernicus’s death, featuring Albert Einstein as a speaker.
The Foundation broadened its activities beyond scholarships, establishing the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition in 1949 to celebrate Polish musical heritage and support young talent. The 1960s saw the creation of local chapters across the U.S., expanding the Foundation’s reach and engagement with Polish American communities. By 1969, the Foundation achieved a $1 million endowment, ensuring the sustainability of its programs.
Over the decades, the Foundation has diversified its offerings, including tuition scholarships for Polish Americans, exchange programs for Polish and American scholars, support for Polish studies in the U.S., summer study programs in Poland, and additional competitions such as the Marcella Sembrich Opera Competition. It has also expanded its physical presence, opening offices in Washington, D.C., and Warsaw and establishing ten local chapters across the U.S.
Today, they have twelve chapters in the U.S. The youngest is in Orchard Lake, Michigan, represented at the 100th-anniversary gala by Co-Presidents Barbara Wisniewski and Annette Raczkowski, Executive Board Director Alicja Karlic, and Ex-Officio Board Director and Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Detroit, Richard Walawender. In the picture: Annette Raczkowski, Marek Skulimowski & Barbara Wisniewski.
The Foundation regularly organizes lectures, exhibitions, film screenings, and other cultural events, as well as programs in the U.S. promoting Polish art, music, and scientific achievements.
The Foundation awards up to $2 million annually in fellowships and grants to graduate students, scholars, scientists, professionals, and artists.
Its educational programs have transformed thousands of lives and provided a platform for Poles who have significantly contributed to promoting the Polish legacy in the U.S.
In recognition of its century-long contribution to Polish American heritage, the Kosciuszko Foundation has received honors such as the Skalny Civic Achievement Award.
The centennial year celebrates the Foundation’s rich history and reaffirms its commitment to advancing Polish-American relations and cultural understanding for future generations.
In a beautifully published commemorative book on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Foundation, President Marek Skulimowski wrote:
“While tonight we honor a century of achievements, we also look ahead with optimism and determination. Our Centennial Campaign offers a unique opportunity to build on this proud legacy by expanding scholarships, enriching cultural programs, and deepening community outreach. With your support, we can ensure that the next century of the Kosciuszko Foundation will be even more vibrant and far-reaching.”
It was a wonderful, elegant evening with good music and food, and I spent it in great company.
Congratulations to President Marek Skulimowski and the entire Kosciuszko Foundation team.
Alicja Karlic, Polish Median Center at Polish Institute of Research & Culture
