On Friday, July 29, 2022, the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC) awarded Dr. John Radzilowski the 2022 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his leadership and scholarly research in Polish and Polish American history. Radzilowski has served as the Director of the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at the Orchard Lake Schools, one of the most prominent Polish organizations in the United States, since June 1, 2022.
“The ACPC Distinguished Service Award brings attention to the Polish Institute and encourages the scholarship that can be done here,” said Radzilowski. “People can come here to learn and research. I want to build on this here. My father, Dr. Thaddeuus Radzilowski, was a former president of St. Mary’s College on the campus of the Orchard Lake Schools and also received this honor in 1996 when he was president of St. Mary’s College. It was the same year the ACPC held its annual convention in metro Detroit, and several events took place right here on campus.”
Radzilowski wants to give back to benefit others and the people who have helped him along the way. He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and moved with his family to Marshall, Minnesota at an early age. “My dad was a great storyteller, and I was always fascinated by the Polish and American history he shared,” added Radzilowski. “It fueled my curiosity and passion for history and writing, especially in my early career when I was a newspaper reporter and editor.”
The past president of the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota, historian, professor, and author of numerous books and articles largely focusing on the modern history of Poland and Polish-Americans, was nominated for the ACPC award by his Minnesota associates who are also affiliate members of the organization. “I did not know they nominated until I was notified of this tremendous honor by the ACPC,” he said. “I’m truly humbled.”
He also shared that the ACPC is highly supportive of his writings, scholarships, and lifelong work. “This organization is a national nonprofit that serves as a network for other Polish American cultural institutions throughout the U.S.,” he said. “We look forward to working together to sponsor the art and culture around the country and to work with member groups like Friends of Polish Art here in Michigan.”
The Polish Institute of Culture & Research (PICR) team is working hard to bring a lot of highlights to the community this fall, including Polish Sundays, a fine art show and sale called Art on the Lake (October 1-2), and the completion of the second phase of the renovation of the Galeria. Visit www.orchardlakeschools.com and check out the Polish Institute on Facebook or on its website https://picrol.org/ for the latest information.