11/17/03

DWOJAK GIFT TO ENHANCE UKRAINIAN EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

AMES, Iowa - Stefan and Kateryna Dwojak, long-time supporters of the exchange program between Ukraine and Iowa State University, have pledged $350,000 to continue their support. The gift was announced at a College of Agriculture donor recognition event on Nov. 15.

The gift supports a program of exchange that dates back 20 years when Iowa State scientists first began visiting Ukraine. Since 1993 Iowa State students have been studying in the Ukraine, in return more than 500 Ukrainian students, scholars and trainees have studied at Iowa State. The gift will kick off a $1 million project to support a program of scientific and educational exchange between Iowa State University and Ukraine.

The Dwojaks are active members of the American-Ukrainian community in the United States. They first learned about Iowa State's work in Ukraine in the early 1990s. Having observed the impact of these activities they began supporting the program with donations and fund-raising efforts.

David Acker, assistant dean of the College of Agriculture, said the gift is an investment in an educational program that benefits both Iowa State and Ukrainian students.

"The College of Agriculture is dedicated to pursuing research in a global context and educating students to work effectively in a global economy. This will help the college and aid Ukrainian students who will form the foundation for a democratic and prosperous Ukraine," Acker said.

Iowa State has an active Ukrainian student club composed of 23 Ukrainian students enrolled at Iowa State. In September, eight faculty and staff visited Ukraine and in 2004 six Ukrainian agribusiness leaders will visit Iowa State to learn about grain and seed marketing. In May, 20 Iowa State students and four faculty will participate in a study tour of Ukraine.

Catherine Woteki, dean of the College of Agriculture, spoke at the event that recognized donors, alumni and friends of the College of Agriculture.