How is it that PIASA has been able to enhance its international reputation as a Poland-focused academic and cultural Institute while operating on a shoestring budget? The answer can be found in the volunteer or modestly paid work of many individuals operating behind the scenes, beginning with our part-time staff in New York consisting of Mariusz Bargielski and Joanna Mroz, who keep the doors open, answer the phones, maintain our files, email the general membership, and help with the events and exhibits. We have also been fortunate recipients of grants generated by Executive Director Bożena Leven to employ the services of archivists Artur Nogaj, Janusz Bonczkowski, Ania Brzyska, and Doninik Wolasiewiz to digitize our collections.
Then there are the eighteen members of our Board of Directors who do much more than simply show up for quarterly meetings. Unfortunately, this column’s space constraints prohibit me from noting the contributions of each of them. Here I would like to highlight the work of our treasurer, Dr. Krzysztof Bledowski, whose deft man-agement of our modest investment portfolio has insured that we can do more than just pay the bills in New York; Patrice Dabrowski, who has chaired our last two conference program committees and will soon be working on a third; and Anna Müller, who will be moderating a PIASA webinar devoted to a discussion of migration and human rights in Poland and the US on October 28.
This newsletter is the creation of James Pula, who has compiled and edited each issue since its existence. At The Polish Review, Editor-in-Chief Halina Filipowicz has what is essentially a full-time job. She is supported by the journal’s book review editors, associate editors, special issue editors, reviewers of submissions, and an editorial board who have helped place TPR at the top of English-language Polish studies journals. Similarly, Kathleen Cioffi from Princeton University Press volunteers her time to serve as editor of PIASA Books, as do those who serve on her editorial board and who review submitted manuscripts.
Finally, there are those who serve on our awards committees, actively participate in our conferences, populate our events, and contribute information for our newsletter. You are the lifeblood of our organization and PIASA is indebted to all of you for your support. Thank you!
― Robert Blobaum, PIASA President
