University of Illinois at Chicago Receives $10 Million Gift for Polish Studies

University of Illinois at Chicago Receives $10 Million Gift for Polish Studies

A $10 million gift to the University of Illinois at Chicago to enhance studies in Polish history, language and literature will transform the study of that country and its culture in the city with the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw.

The donation, a bequest from the late Romuald Hejna, is the second-largest gift from an individual that UIC has ever received and the biggest single gift to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Hejna's bequest will create two chairs in the history of Poland and one chair in Polish language and literature.

"Mr. Hejna's gift has ensured not only that the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will remain on the map for Polish Studies -- so vital already in Chicago with its storied and strong connections to Poland -- but also that UIC will become a beacon for scholars who wish to research and teach in this specialization," said Dwight A. McBride, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Full Story