The Alliance College Alumni Association Foundation
The Alliance College Alumni Association Foundation (ACAAF) is committed to preserving Alliance College’s legacy through educational scholarships that support the next generation. Our alma mater represented the dedication of Polish Americans to pursuing higher education, and today, we continue that mission by helping deserving students achieve their academic dreams.
Through your generosity, we are able to fund scholarships for students with family ties to Alliance College and those with a passion for Polish culture, language, and history. We invite you to join us in this important work—whether by donating, applying for a scholarship, or spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that the values and traditions of Alliance College live on.
Richard Day, President
– Alliance College Alumni Association Foundation (AC ’85)
Foundation Trustees
Richard Day, President (AC ’85)
Barbara Adams, Vice President & Scholarship Chair (AC ’84)
Carol Schonewolf, Secretary (AC ‘??)
Sally Day, Treasurer (AC ’85)
Les Rachocki, Assistant Treasurer (AC’ 67)
Celeste Mickiewicz, Trustee (AC’ 67)
Richard Zaremba, Trustee (AC ‘70)
Virginia Borek, Trustee (AC ‘66)
Ben Kman, Trustee
History of the Foundation
The Alliance College Alumni Association Foundation was officially established on January 11, 2010, as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The Alliance College Alumni Association Foundation was incorporated in the State of Ohio on January 1, 2010, as an independent nonprofit, organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes operating as a charitable foundation. The founding trustees included: Les Rachocki (AC ‘67), Celeste Mickiewicz (AC ‘67), Michaeline Saldyga (AC ‘72), and Mary Alice Wisowaty (AC ’73).
It was formed following a generous $10,000 bequest from Helen Satoski’s estate to provide scholarships. Since its inception, the Foundation has grown significantly. Over the years, it has received charitable gifts from the Alliance College Alumni Association and individual contributions from alumni and friends of Alliance College.
Annual Scholarship & Award Winners
By Barbara Gdula Adams, Foundation Vice President and Director of Scholarships (AC ’84)
The ACAAF provides scholarships on an annual basis to students with a legacy relationship to an Alliance College graduate or who are interested in some aspect of Polish culture, language, or history. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and full-time college students who meet the eligibility criteria.
Past Scholarship Recipients:
2024 —
- Magdalena Bialk – Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. Daughter of Kathy Bialk (AC ’83) and niece of Leo Yankevich (AC ’84).
- Andrew Machesky – Appalachian State University. Grandson of Les Rachocki (AC ’68).
- Emma Kilgallon – University of Tennessee. Granddaughter of Paul (AC ’67) and Barbara (AC ’69) Gliwa.
2023 —
- Lilah Nye – Bowling Green State University, majoring in adolescent to young adult education and specializing in integrated mathematics.
2018 —
- Ray Kman – University of Notre Dame, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Son of Edward and Namie Kman of Richfield, Ohio. His great-grandfather, grandfather, and two great uncles are all Alliance College graduates.
2017 —
- Daniel S. Matejczyk – Ohio State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Psychology. He is the son of David Matejczyk (AC’80) and grandson of AC Professor Emeritus Dr. Blair Matejczyk.
2016 —
- Emma J. Yokules – Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, pursuing a degree in Education. Granddaughter of Milt (AC’ 67) and Felicia (Ilczuk) Bruce (AC 66.
2015 —
- Ashley Rutkowski – Berry College, Georgia, pursuing a degree in Theatre. Granddaughter of John Rutkowski (AC ‘68).
2014 —
- Teresa Starzecki – University of Connecticut, majoring in Physics. Daughter of Donna (Stypulkowski) Starzecki (AC ‘84).
2013 —
- Sofia Berry – Jamestown High School, NY. Plans to pursue a career as an English teacher. Daughter of Anna (Biernacki) Berry (AC ‘83).
2012 —
- Joese Abbondanza – Her father and grandfather are both alumni of Alliance College.
2011 —
- Kathryn Carone – Hampton High School, Greenville, PA. Daughter of Greg Carone (AC ‘81).
2010 —
- Emily Drzewiecki – Daughter of Margaret Wilkiewicz (AC ‘84)
Support the Foundation – Make a Gift Today
Alliance College alumni have always been a close-knit community, bound by shared experiences and a commitment to education. Now, we ask for your support to continue this tradition.
Your donation helps us:
✔ Provide scholarships to students who carry on the Alliance College legacy
✔ Build the endowment to ensure scholarships for generations to come
✔ Celebrate and preserve the rich history of Alliance College and its alumni
Ways to Give:
- One-time or recurring donation to support scholarships
- Class Year Challenge – Donate in the amount of your graduation year
- Planned Giving – Leave a legacy gift through your estate
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Click below to donate and keep the spirit of Alliance College alive!
