[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 55 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PROFESSOR DONALD E. PIENKOS 1996 POLISH HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 1996

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend 
Prof. Donald Pienkos on receiving the Pulaski Council of Milwaukee's 
1996 Polish Heritage Award.
  I can think of few people who have dedicated so much of their time, 
talents, and energy to the study and promotion of our Polish-American 
heritage. Professor Pienkos, through his outstanding work as a scholar, 
educator, author, and activist has done much to ensure that the life-
long efforts of those members of our Polish-American community who have 
gone before us will be long remembered.
  Professor Pienkos is the author of several books including ``PNA: 
Centennial History of the Polish National Alliance,'' ``One Hundred 
Years Young: A History of the Polish Falcons of America,'' and ``For 
Your Efforts on Poland's Behalf.'' These outstanding works provide us 
with a detailed and lasting account of the Polish-American peoples' 
ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for Poles in the United 
States and in Poland.
  As a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee, Donald Pienkos has dedicated his professional career to the 
study and teaching of Eastern European politics and government. 
Throughout the whirlwind of change which has taken place in Eastern 
Europe during recent years, Professor Pienkos has served as an 
invaluable source of information and insight not only to the students 
of UWM, but to our entire community.
  Donald Pienkos also plays an active and leading role in a number of 
Polish-American organizations and has helped to shape the course and 
direction which these organizations have taken. Don has served as a 
national director of the Polish National Alliance and is also past 
president of the Wisconsin State Division of the Polish American 
Congress. Through his involvement in organizations such as these, 
Professor Pienkos has worked hard to ensure that our Nation's rich 
Polish-American heritage will remain alive and vibrant for years to 
come.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Don Pienkos on his worthwhile and outstanding 
work and congratulate him on receiving the 1996 Polish Heritage Award. 
I wish him continued success for years to come. Sto Lat!

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