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The Kościuszko Foundation’s Summer Studies Abroad Program

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:48:53 +0000

The Kosciuszko Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Studies Abroad Program. The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tomaszkiewicz-Florio and Wisconsin Study Polish Scholarships for students who wish to study Polish at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow or the John Paul II Catholic University in Lublin.

The Jagiellonian University offers programs lasting from 2 to 6 weeks. Students can enroll in Polish language classes and attend lectures on various subjects, including Polish grammar, history, literature, contemporary life in Poland, and the history of Jews in Poland.

The John Paul II Catholic University offers courses that are designed for students who wish to acquire versatility in their communication skills and develop a thorough understanding of the Polish language and culture. Language courses are available for 2 to 4 weeks.

The Kosciuszko Foundation Scholarships for Summer Studies Abroad:

The Tomaszkiewicz-Florio Scholarship offers a number of scholarships to American students of Polish descent to take part in Summer Study programs in the Polish language at the Jagiellonian University and the John Paul II Catholic University.

The Wisconsin Study Polish Scholarship offers two scholarships to Wisconsin students of Polish descent to study the Polish language and history at the Jagiellonian University.

Scholarships include tuition, a Polish language textbook, accommodation in a double room, meals, a tourist program, and a cultural program.

ELIGIBILITY: US citizens and US legal residents of Polish descent. High school graduates who will be 18 by the first day of their chosen program and undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The Wisconsin Scholarship is also open to graduate-level students. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Students can also participate in the Summer Studies Abroad Program as paying students.

For more information, please visit: 2026 Summer School Abroad

Deadline for Application and Supporting Materials: April 24, 2026.

KF Scholarship and Grant Officer for Americans: Malgorzata Dymkowska

E-mail: exchangetopoland@thekf.org; Phone: (212) 734-2130.

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PACIM Receives Grant to Expand Its Polish Literature Library — Help Us Match It!

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:22:47 +0000

We are pleased to share that the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM) has received a $1,200 grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland (Department for Cooperation with the Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad) to support our project:

“Enriching and Expanding the Polish Literature Collection in the PACIM Library.”

This funding will help us purchase new books and strengthen our growing collection of Polish literature in English, making it more accessible to readers, students, and anyone interested in Polish culture and heritage.

However, one condition of this grant is that PACIM raise additional funds to match the grant amount. We invite our community, friends, and supporters to help us meet this goal so we can fully realize the project and continue building a vibrant cultural resource for our community.

How you can help:

Please consider making a contribution to support the PACIM Library and help us match the grant. Every donation brings us closer to expanding access to Polish literature and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

If you would like to support this initiative, please click the button below and select the “Use this Donation for Library” option or contact us for more information.

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Mosaic Festival

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:33:32 +0000

We were delighted to take part on February 15 in the Mosaic Festival, organized by Ethnic Dance Theatre—a vibrant celebration of cultures, traditions, and community.

Mosaic Festival is about more than what you see on stage. It is about sharing traditions, honoring heritage, tasting new flavors, supporting artisans, and coming together as a community.

Events like this remind us how powerful cultural exchange can be. Through music, dance, food, and conversation, we build bridges between communities and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Minnesota such a special place.

Thank you to Ethnic Dance Theatre for organizing this wonderful event and for creating a space where cultures can be shared, appreciated, and celebrated. We are grateful to have been part of such a meaningful day!

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PACIM Carnival Ball 2026: A Valentine’s Celebration to Remember

admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:04:37 +0000

This year’s PACIM Carnival Ball was especially memorable as it coincided with Valentine’s Day, adding an extra touch of warmth and celebration to the evening. On Saturday, February 15, we had the pleasure of gathering with fellow PACIM members, friends, and supporters at the beautiful Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville, Minnesota.

The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring live guitar by Piotr Waszczuk, setting a warm and festive tone for the celebration. Guests then enjoyed fine dining, a lively performance by the Dolina Folk Dancers, wonderful conversations, and dancing late into the night.

A special moment of the evening was the presentation of the PACIM Award for Outstanding Service to the Polish American Community of Minnesota to Fr. Spencer Howe. The award recognizes his longstanding pastoral leadership at Holy Cross Catholic Church and his exceptional support of Polish American religious, cultural, and community life. Through his openness and personal engagement, Fr. Howe has helped foster a welcoming space where Polish traditions, language, and faith continue to thrive across generations. The award was accepted on his behalf by his mother, Janette Howe.

Our raffle added to the excitement, and we are delighted to share that the event was a tremendous success. Many of our guests have already expressed their intention to return for the 2027 Carnival Ball, which speaks volumes about the joyful and memorable experience we shared together.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening so special. We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed their time, energy, and creativity to planning, organizing, and bringing this event to life—your dedication truly made the night shine.

We look forward to celebrating together again next year for another unforgettable evening!

Ball’s Photo Album

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PACIM Officers Elected

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:48:27 +0000

At the January 8, 2026 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM) elected its officers for a one-year term. The newly elected officers are:

President Mietek T. Konczyk

Vice President Anna Margl

Secretary David Luiken

Treasurer Paul Kwiecinski

The remaining members of the Board of Directors serve as Directors at Large: Marcel Derosier, Phyllis Husted, Iwona Srienc, Dorota Wojtak, and Alex Zemla.

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PACIM Board of Directors Election Results

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:06:08 +0000

The following members have been elected to the PACIM Board of Directors for a two-year term: Mietek Konczyk, Paul Kwieciński, Anna Margl, and Alex Zemla. They will join Marcel Derosier, Phyllis Husted, David Luiken, Iwona Srienc, and Dorota Wojtak to form a nine-member Board of Directors. At the first meeting of the new Board, the directors will elect from among themselves a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Please join us in congratulating the newly elected directors.

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PACIM Newsletter, December 3, 2025

admin — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:02:38 +0000

VIEW THE NEWSLETTER

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Polish Independence Day Celebration at the Consulate in Chicago

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:37:31 +0000

On November 6, 2025, the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, Ms. Regina Jurkowska, hosted a celebration of Poland’s National Independence Day. Among the invited guests were representatives of the Consular Corps, city and county officials, as well as leaders of Polish-American organizations. The Consul General delivered a commemorative address and subsequently presented state honors to Ms. Grażyna Auguścik and Mr. Daniel Pogorzelski. The official portion of the event concluded with a performance by the ensemble Skalni.

PACIM was represented by its president, Mietek T. Konczyk, who, on behalf of the Polish-American community of Minnesota, invited Consul Jurkowska to visit Minneapolis–St. Paul next year. The invitation was accepted.

Photos by Mietek T. Konczyk and courtesy of the Consulate General of RP in Chicago

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Film “Two Sisters” Moves Audience at Landmark Center Screening

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:01:41 +0000

On October 14, PACIM hosted a special screening of the Polish-Ukrainian film Two Sisters (Dwie Siostry) at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul. The powerful story of two young women navigating the hardships of war deeply moved the audience, leaving many visibly touched by its emotional depth and realism. The film was very well received, sparking thoughtful conversations and heartfelt reflections after the screening.

PACIM extends its gratitude to the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago for sponsoring the event and to the Ukrainian American Community Center in Minneapolis for helping to publicize it.

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Walicki Fund Grant

admin — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 12:45:12 +0000

Thanks to donations made by our community to the Walicki Fund, PACIM has been able to support initiatives for disadvantaged children in Poland for many years. This year, the Board used funds to purchase desks, blankets, and bed sheets for the Młodzieżowy Ośrodek Wychowawczy (Youth Reformatory Center) in Polanów, which houses 60 children aged 12 to 18. The center provides schooling, housing, activities, and psychological support, but despite state funding, it struggles to meet all expenses and was deeply grateful for the gifts.

PACIM Vice President Anna Margl visited the center this summer and was moved by the needs she witnessed, while also heartened by the dedication of the staff, who do their best to create a caring and supportive environment for the children.

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