On December 11, AUK Rector Jacek Leskow received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta from the President of the Republic of Poland. The Order is bestowed for outstanding service to the Polish state and society.
The Order of Polonia Restituta was established on February 4, 1921, as a Polish state order. It is awarded to both military and civilians, as well as foreigners for remarkable achievements in education, science, sport, culture, art, economics, national defense, social work, civil service, or the advancement of international relations. It is Poland's second-highest civilian state award, after the Order of the White Eagle. The Knight's Cross is the Fifth Class Order of Polonia Restituta.
“This is an incredible recognition of our rector, and we are all very proud of you, Jacek! It’s an honor to work with you in one team, serving education, and the fight for democracy! Forty years later, you are still struggling for freedom. Thank you for everything you do!”, praised Dan Rice, AUK President.
“The Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta is the recognition of my contribution to the democratization of Poland. The independence of Poland has always been very important to me and the majority of my Polish friends. That is why, 50 years ago, we started the struggle with the Soviet Empire, which has since disappeared. Then, with the majority of my Polish friends, we recognized that there can be no free Poland without a free Ukraine. I, like many other Polish people, supported the Orange Revolution and was there on Maidan. We have supported the Revolution of Dignity in 2013. We are now actively supporting Ukraine's fight against imperialist russia.
Independence is a precious commodity. It has to be fought for and protected", emphasized AUK Rector Jacek Leskow.
On behalf of AUK team, we express our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Jacek Leskow on receiving such an honorary award!