Chicago Foundation Awards $35K to Polish Heritage Students

Six students of Polish heritage are celebrating life-changing scholarships that will help them complete their college and graduate degrees this year.

The Chicago Society Foundation announced its 2026 James and Lillian Kulze Scholarship recipients in September, awarding one $10,000 scholarship and five $5,000 scholarships. The recipients span diverse fields from art history to medicine, all united by their Polish roots and commitment to academic excellence.

Sabina Szczepanik received the top $10,000 award for her studies in Art History with an emphasis on Polish art at Loyola University Chicago. She's also pursuing Spanish language and literature, blending her cultural heritage with broader global perspectives.

The five $5,000 recipients include Aleksandra Borek studying pharmacy at University of Illinois Chicago, Madelyn Boylan pursuing occupational therapy at Elmhurst University, and Victoria Hamel preparing for law school through political science studies at University of Connecticut. Katelynn Hanners is earning her master's degree in Sustainability and Education at Columbia Teachers College, while Oliwia Lakomy studies to become a physician assistant at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

The Foundation selected recipients based on financial need, academic achievement, recommendations, essays, career goals, and involvement in Polish American community activities. Each applicant demonstrated not just academic promise but a genuine connection to their cultural heritage.

The Ripple Effect

The Kulze Scholarship program represents more than financial support. It's a bridge between generations, honoring Polish heritage while empowering young people to build diverse careers that will serve their communities for decades to come.

Since its launch, the program has awarded more than $250,000 to students of Polish descent pursuing higher education. That investment translates into doctors, teachers, pharmacists, and professionals who carry their cultural identity into their work, enriching the broader American community with their unique perspectives and experiences.

These six recipients will join dozens of alumni who've completed their degrees with Kulze Scholarship support, creating a growing network of Polish American professionals making their mark across multiple fields.

The next generation of Polish American leaders is studying tonight, thanks to the generosity that keeps cultural heritage and education thriving together.