Maria Skłodowska-Curie Medallion

Maria Skłodowska-Curie Medallion
Artist Jozef C. Mazur
Year 1955
Type Stained Glass
Dimensions 31.8 cm × 31.8 cm (12.5 in × 12.5 in)
Location University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY

The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Medallion is one panel from a set of four created by Jozef C. Mazur. It currently resides in the Polish Room at the University at Buffalo.

History

On August 3, 1955, the University at Buffalo created the Polish Room. Polish-American artist Jozef C. Mazur was hired to plan and decorate the room. Items included a set of four stained-glass medallions depicting famous Poles.

At some point between the founding and when the Polish Room was moved in 1978, the medallions went missing. In 2007 the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Medallion was found for sale on eBay by University at Buffalo alumnus Gregory Witul. Mr. Witul was able to coordinate the return of the medallion to the University.[1][2] A formal rededication was held on November 4, 2007.

On April 6, 2008 Mr. Witul received the Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award for Heritage [3] for finding and coordinating the return of the medallion and Mr. Peter Miecyjak received the Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year Award for Youth [4] in part for organizing the rededication.

References