Polish University Club of Los Angeles, Inc.Aids and promotes education among Polonia's college age young people
by Helena Pharis and Gillian Olechno-Huszcza
The Polish University CIub of Los Angeles was founded by Dr. Thomas M. Potasz, a prominent Los Angeles ophthalmologist, in November of 1947, and later incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of California. It was instituted in an effort to encourage interest in and advancement of Polish culture.
Its primary focus at present is its Scholarship Program, which aids and promotes interest in furthering education among Polonia's college age young people. This program encourages, and in many cases introduces young people of Polish descent to a study of their Polish heritage. Dr. Potasz' dream was to bring these young students together with graduates of Polish descent.
The Polish University CIub of Los Angeles is open to all Polonians and anyone with an avowed interest in the Polish heritage, from all walks of life. Scholarships may be requested by anyone currently enrolled in a four-year college who will have completed at least one semester of studies before applying, Applications for membership or scholarships may be obtained by writing to:
Polish University CIub of Los Angeles, Inc. c/o Our Lady of the Bright Mount 3424 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90018Among the many well-known Polonians actively involved in club activities over its forty-six year history have been Michael Potasz (brother of the founder), Jean and Charles Breese, Helena Pharis, Bronia Walacha, Halina Gawlinska, Carolyn Hintz, Czeslaw and Gillian Olechno-Huszcza, the late Tom Bruzdowicz and many others. Officers for 1994 are Gillian Olechno-Huszcza, President; Helena Pharis, Vice President; Jean Breese, Treasurer; Lucy Borik, Secretary; and Bronia Walacha, Financial Secretary. In furtherance of its aim to encourage younger members to become active in the organization, the Board of Directors now includes several former scholarship winners, including Claire Andersen and Nancy Kellner. Former members Florence Swait, Charles Breese and Stephen Brost are among newly elected members of the Board. At its election meeting in November 1993, the CIub unanimously approved the permanent appointment of Michael Potasz to the Board of Directors, with full voting privileges.
The death of Thomas Bruzdowicz, President of the club for over ten years saddened the membership, as well as the entire Southern California Polonia. As one of his obituaries states "He took the helm of the PUC at its Iowest ebb and brought it up to its present prominence ... he used tact, consideration & compassion without relinquishing one single iota of his presidential authority ..."
Thomas Bruzdowicz had been active in many other Polish organizations including PAHA - South California Chapter, PNA Lodge #3193, the Polish - American Business & Professional CIub, the Children's Medical Care Foundation, PACN, Polish American Democratic CIub, the Polish Guardian Society, PAC, the Men's CIub of the Pope John Paul II Polish Center and the POLAM Federal Credit Union. By profession he was a mathematics and science teacher with the Whittier Public Schools, and his love for children led him to the Youth Chairmanship of the Pope John Paul II Foundation. He enjoyed a love of music and was an accomplished guitar and piano player. He enjoyed folk dancing, and was an active member of the Mazur Folk Dance Ensemble for many years. Tom was born in Jersey City, N.J. on June 24, 1945 and died at the age of only 45.
The CIub anticipates broadening its membership throughout Southem California Polonia and encourages support of its fund-raising efforts for the benefit of young people. The club firmly endorses the belief that the future of Polonia depends on an educated youth, fully conversant with its heritage.
From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.