Thaddeus Radzilowski

Thaddeus Radzilowski of Hamtramck, MI, PNA Lodge 1758, was named "Outstanding Pole" in America on May 6, 2016 at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago in the category of Scholarship ("Nauka").

The Polish Ambassador Ryszard Schepf, in announcing the award, added his personal commendations for Dr. Radzilowski's work in support of the Embassy's work of promoting a positive image of Poland in the U.S.

Dr. Radzilowski was awarded the honor for his life-long scholarly work in telling the Polish story in America, in promoting the study of Polish language and culture, his co-founding (with Virginia Skrzyniarz) in 2003 of the Piast Institute devoted to the study of Poland and Polonia and his many contributions through his cultural activities, lectures, research and publications to the flourishing of the Polish Community in America.

The competition "Outstanding Pole" is an initiative of the Polish Promotional Emblem Foundation, whose main objective is to create a positive image of Poles to show their achievments and distinctions and to the promotion of people of Polish ancestry who are eminently successful in a variety of fields and endeavors beyond the borders of Poland. It is also an opportunity to showcase such individuals who through their activities and commitments contribute to the promotion of a positive image of Poland and Polish people in the world, as well as to publicize these compatriots who although often known and respected abroad, remain less known to Poles living in Poland.