I am excited to inform you that the 2022 National SUSK Congress was a huge success! Our long overdue in-person Congress took place from May 12-15, 2022, in Edmonton, Alberta, the city where the first wave of Ukrainians immigrated to Canada in 1891. As we anticipate another wave of immigration from Ukraine due to Russian aggression, we took the time to explore and reconnect with our ancestral roots. Our theme this year “Youth Razom” was centered around the importance of joining together. SUSK delegates and observers spent the weekend attending panel discussions, welcoming guest speakers, participating in a field trip to Ukrainian landmarks and the Ukrainian pioneer village outside of Edmonton, and attending a networking event with our SUSK alumni. We were given the opportunity to come together and commiserate all of the lives lost due to the war crimes committed by the Russian regime. The high level discussions held throughout Congress radiated a focus on the role the Ukrainian diaspora plays in supporting Ukraine and advocating for its sovereignty, robust history, and vibrant culture.

I extend my most sincere gratitude to our member Ukrainian Student Organizations across Canada who have committed themselves to advocating for Ukraine’s sovereignty. I am humbled to work alongside such determined individuals. Although we do have a long road ahead, I am proud of the tremendous steps forward we have made, and will continue to dedicate myself to supporting all of you.

I want to congratulate my fellow executives for an extremely successful year. Each of you played a vital role in bringing together the Ukrainian community in Canada through your innovative, and dedicated contributions. Larisa Hemon, Kira Dzulynsky, Anika Luteijn, Sofia Holowatsky, Maiia Petryshyna, Larysa Stech, Sofiya Sapeha, Maya Pankiw, Alexandra Holyk, Dasha Akhova, Marysa Fosty, Michaela Yarmol-Matusiak, Aleksa Gobosz, Roman Grod, and National Coordinator Danya Wasylyk – it was a pleasure working with each one of you, thank you for your devotion to SUSK and the Ukrainian Canadian community. The changes you have instilled have left a mark on the betterment of our community. I am excited to see what each of you achieve as you continue into your future endeavors, wishing all of you the best of luck.

The Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union is pleased to announce the new Board of Directors for the 2022/2023 year:

Danya Pankiw – President

Marysa Fosty – VP National

Kira Dzulynsky – VP Finance

River Hoffos – VP West

Sofia Holowatsky – VP Central

Katrina Korotky – VP East

Larisa Hemon – Internal Relations Director

Sofiya Sapeha – External Relations Director

Sofia Turchyn – Secretary

Matthew Kowalchuk – Media Director

Alexandra Holyk – Student Editor

Christina Tymczyna – Project Director

Maya Pankiw – Alumni Director

Michaela Yarmol-Matusiak – Inclusion and Diversity Officer

Roman Grod – Past President

Thank you to all the sponsors of the 2022 National SUSK Congress:

•  Elite Level Sponsors – Shevchenko Foundation, BCU Financial, and Edmonton Community Foundation.
• Gold Level Sponsors – Ukrainian Canadian Professional & Business Association of Calgary, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Rodan Energy Solutions, and Synchroworks Consulting.
• Silver Level Sponsors – UNF Foundation, Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, and Subway.
• Bronze Level Sponsors – Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival and Kontakt Next Generation.
• In Kind Sponsors – Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Choir, and Dunai Ukrainian Dancers.

To our sponsors, donors, and alumni, thank you for your support. Your contributions allow for SUSK to continue being a highly effective organization that educates, advocates, and unites Ukrainian students across the country.

This year’s National SUSK Congress was an excellent way to connect with delegates, each of whom share a passion for preserving our Ukrainian culture and celebrating our heritage. More than ever, Ukrainians are supporting one another in an attempt to build a better society – we are a piece of the fabric contributing to democracy. I am looking forward to the upcoming noteworthy year ahead.

Слава Україні! Героям Слава!

Yours truly,

Danya Pankiw, National President