The 22nd Annual New York Luncheon to Benefit Ukrainian Catholic University Surpasses Fundraising Goals, Raising Over $550,000

The 22nd Annual New York Luncheon to Benefit the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) achieved remarkable success, raising more than $550,000 and surpassing its original fundraising goal, with additional pledges continuing to arrive. The event brought together donors, community leaders, clergy, alumni, and friends united in their belief that education and moral leadership are essential to Ukraine’s rebuilding and long-term future, especially during this historic and challenging period for the nation.

During the luncheon, two significant gifts were announced that will directly strengthen UCU’s mission. Michael and Nancy Bohdan generously donated $330,000 to fund seventy-five student scholarships across key disciplines, including physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, non-profit management, and public administration and governance. Additionally, an anonymous donor pledged $150,000 to expand the Fallen Heroes Endowed Scholarship Fund, honoring members of the UCU community who sacrificed their lives defending Ukraine and ensuring that their legacy will continue through future generations of students.

Last month, Dr. Lyda Tymiak Lindell and Carl Lindell graciously hosted a private reception in honor of Archbishop Borys Gudziak, celebrating and supporting the Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund. Held at the elegant St. Regis Hotel in New York City, the evening was filled with palpable energy, deep love for Ukraine, and remarkable generosity toward the young scholars of Ukrainian Catholic University. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us and contributed to this meaningful cause, and a deep note of appreciation to Lyda and Carl Lindell. It was a joy to welcome new friends of UCU and to celebrate this transformational endowment—an investment in the future of Ukraine’s intellectual and spiritual leaders. We are getting close to the $1MM fundraising goal for the Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund and have now reached nearly 80% of the total amount. Through the end of 2025, all contributions to the Metropolitan Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling donor impact and accelerating progress toward strengthening UCU’s academic leadership.

The Ukrainian Catholic University traces its roots to the Greek Catholic Theological Academy founded by Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky in the late 1920s, with Rev. Josyf Slipyj as its first rector, before being closed by Soviet authorities in 1944. After 18 years in Soviet labor camps, Patriarch Josyf Slipyj revived the vision in Rome, establishing the Ukrainian Catholic University there and inspiring generations to dream of a full university on Ukrainian soil. His vision was further affirmed on June 26, 2001, when Pope John Paul II blessed the cornerstone of the future university in Lviv. In 2002, the Ukrainian Catholic University was officially opened in Ukraine.

Today, UCU is the first Catholic university in the territory of the former Soviet Union and serves more than 2,500 students annually across multiple degree-granting faculties. Although small in size, the university is widely recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and the development of civic responsibility. Throughout the full-scale war, many members of the UCU community served as volunteers, defenders, and humanitarian leaders. As of November 2024, thirty-three members of the UCU community have been killed, and memorial scholarship funds have been created in cooperation with the UCU Foundation in the United States. Each fund seeks to reach $100,000 to provide permanent scholarships to students who will carry forward the values and example of those who died.

To expand its international reach and connect with the global Ukrainian community, UCU continues to build a network of affiliated foundations and centers worldwide, including partnerships in the United States, Rome, London, Canada, Argentina, and Poland. UCU expresses its deepest gratitude to the New York Friends of UCU Committee, generous donors, event attendees, and sponsors whose dedication ensures that students in Ukraine continue to receive world-class education and formation, even in the face of national adversity.

---