It is with great joy that I bring important news. After nearly a half-century of cutting-edge programming and dedicated instruction, the Copernicus Program in Polish Studies has been elevated by the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts to the Copernicus Center for Polish Studies!

The Nicolaus Copernicus Endowment was established in 1973 in cooperation with faculty, students, and the Polish Americans of Michigan who contributed generously with their time and financial assistance. It was recognized as a program in 2014, and is now entering a new phase as a full-fledged center.

The Copernicus Center will proudly pursue its mission by supporting faculty research and Polish language instruction, and by offering fellowships and internship opportunities for our students. We are also committed to continue bringing Poland to Ann Arbor through our active programming. The Annual Copernicus Lecture—established in 1980—is well-known for showcasing prominent academic, cultural, and political figures who advance our understanding of Polish affairs and demonstrate Poland’s growing significance in academia, the arts, and foreign affairs.

In the years to come, the Copernicus Center will continue to strengthen its relationships with Polish institutions and develop new ones. We were the first U.S. educational institution to sign an agreement with the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and we work closely with NGOs, institutions of higher learning, cultural organizations, and U.S. agencies (such as Fulbright) to offer instruction and research opportunities for our students and faculty.

We are forever grateful for your loyal support. It is thanks to your enthusiasm and generosity that we are entering the next phase of our history. The future of Polish studies at Michigan is bright…STO LAT!

Geneviève Zubrzycki, CCPS Director
Professor of Sociology