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Lucjan Rozwadowski Named Fraternal
MVP by NFCA
Oak Brook, IL - The
National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) proudly recognized Lucjan
Rozwadowski - a long-time member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of
America, District #8, from Romeoville, IL - as a Fraternal MVP (Most
Valuable Participant) for the week of June 18, 2007. Fraternal MVPs are
"Fraternalists-in-Action" who volunteer their time and energy to strengthen
their communities through participation in local society activities and
other charitable endeavors.
"The NFCA wishes to salute
those individuals as true fraternalists," said NFCA Chair of the Board
Janice U. Whipple. "As a Fraternal MVP, Lucjan Rozwadowski embodies the
heart of fraternalism through his hard work, dedication and generosity."
Lucjan Rozwadowski has had
a long and involved relationship with both the PRCUA and Polonia in general.
He is a member of PRCUA Society #1599 and Society #657. Soon after starting
a family 40 years ago, he realized the importance of instilling the values
and traditions of his native Poland in his daughters. He enrolled them in
the Polish language school and dance program at St. Pancratius Church in
Brighton Park, IL.
He and his wife, Alina, and
a few friends co-founded the Maria Konopnicka Polish Language School at Five
Holy Martyrs Parish in Chicago and arranged for PRCUA sponsorship of that
school.
For two decades,
Rozwadowski worked diligently to foster the new school. As its President,
Lucjan worked tirelessly to make it grow into one of the largest schools of
its kind. Lucjan's interests were not only in building a name for the
school, but also in creating a rich environment for the students and
teachers in his care. He also organized countless dances and fundraisers,
supplied hamburgers to students after the Polish Constitution Day parade,
made props for the drama club, organized field trips to fun places such as
Great America, and personally bought flowers for the teachers on Sweetest
Day. As the school grew and the first 8th grade class graduated, he saw the
need for these students to continue their education in the Polish tradition.
Lucjan found a way for Maria Konopnicka Polish School to become one of the
first Polish language schools in the Chicago area to offer an accredited
high school program.
Mr. Rozwadowski was
instrumental in bringing the PRCUA to the John Paul II Polish Language
School in Lemont, IL. He encouraged other adults to become insurance
deputies and start new societies in the PRCUA.
Lucjan and Alina became
members of the Adult Culture Group in the early 1970's, which hosts the
annual Cinderella - Prince Charming Ball for PRCUA youths. Both of their
daughters participated in the Ball during their high school years.
Lucjan and Alina put on
their own dance shoes and performed the Polonez at the Ball, year after
year, with the Adult Culture Group. In 1979, Rozwadowski suggested to his
daughter that she become a member of the Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Dance
Ensemble. So involved was Rozwadowski with the dance group over the years
that he was named an honorary member. His daughter, Barbara Eckert, not only
remained a member of Wesoly Lud for 12 years, but also became a teacher, a
choreographer, and started her own dance program. She is currently School
Director of the Polanie Dancers associated with the John Paul II Polish
Language School in Lemont, IL.
Mr. Rozwadowski has been
active in PRCUA leadership roles, and served as President of District #8.
Lucjan's main objective was not only to promote PRCUA membership, but also
to provide the existing members with wonderful experiences. He organized
picnics, fundraisers and other outings for District #8.
After 40 years of
continuous service to the PRCUA and to Polonia, Rozwadowski continues in his
quest to promote Polish heritage and the PRCUA. He has encouraged his
sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-law to become part of the organization.
Rozwadowskis can boast that their family includes a Cinderella and a
Cinderella First Runner-Up, three Prince Charmings and a Prince First
Runner-Up, “Konkurs Recytatorski" winners, scholarship recipients, a Miss
Polonia, a translator for a news service during Pope John Paul II's travels,
and a Polish radio and television producer.
Mr. Rozwadowski remains
extremely active in PRCUA and Polonia by attending many activities and being
a delegate to PRCUA conventions. Lucjan attended the Children's Dance
Festival in Iwonicz Zdroj with his daughter's dance school as a chaperone
and a PRCUA representative, proudly handing out PRCUA memorabilia to the
Polish audiences.
In essence, Rozwadowski
remains "on-call" for the officers of PRCUA, donating his time and efforts
whenever needed. He proudly displays his Polish flag and is often seen in
his red-and-white couture. He organizes trips for his residential
association to Milwaukee's Polish Fests and was instrumental in organizing
Polish Fests in his community. He takes part in the annual Constitution Day
Parade in downtown Chicago, promoting PRCUA and Poland. Lucjan is proud of
his heritage, and his lengthy involvement with PRCUA is a testament to that
fact.
Rozwadowski's family
includes daughters Barbara (Thomas) Eckert and Renata (Robert) Cwyl and
grandchildren Casey, Timothy, Paul, Melissa and Matthew.
Fraternal MVPs are part of
the NFCA's Fraternalists-in-Action program, which recognizes individuals
whose unique stories best represent 21st Century fraternalism. These
fraternalists demonstrate exceptional compassion and vision through their
volunteer activities.
The PRCUA is pleased to
salute Lucjan Rozwadowski for being the recipient of this momentous and
well-deserved award. |
