February 12, 2013 -Winnipeg, Manitoba-The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was presented to two deserving recipients by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) during a special awards ceremony in Winnipeg on Friday, February 8, 2013.The UCC National and the UCC Manitoba Provincial Council jointly hosted a reception at the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre (Oseredok) to recognize the outstanding achievements of two members of Manitoba’s Ukrainian Canadian community.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was presented to Dr. Orest Cap and Ms. Sophia Kachor by UCC National President Paul Grod on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.
RECIPIENTS’ CITATIONS
Dr. Orest Cap is a Professor of Technology Education and Director of the Imperial Oil Academy, Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Orest Cap holds a PhD in technical-vocational education from Ohio State University.
Dr. Cap has published extensively in various national and international journals and through his work, has been involved in several research initiatives with Ukraine. Dr. Cap has also been actively involved with Ukrainian Canadian Social Services for many years on the local, national and international level.
Dr. Cap was honoured for his instrumental work in establishing the Chernihiv State Teacher Innovation Award Project at Hohol State University in Nizhen, Ukraine and then at Chernihiv State Pedagogical University of Chernihiv, Ukraine, where he helped to establish a successful social services network that assists physically and mentally challenged individuals from Chernihiv who were affected by the Chornobyl disaster.
Sophia Kachor is the Executive Director and Chief of Collections of the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre (Oseredok) in Winnipeg. She holds a BA (Hons.) and MA in Slavic Studies from the University of Manitoba.
She is a dedicated life-long community volunteer, active in many Ukrainian organizations and institutions. Currently, Sophia holds the following volunteer positions:
- Chair of the Board of Directors for the North Winnipeg Credit Union
- Member of the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko Board of Directors
- Past Board Member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Sophia Kachor has been involved with Ukrainian Youth Association -Plast for many years on the local, national and international levels.
In 2001, Sophia was awarded the Shevchenko Medal, the highest form of recognition that can be bestowed by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
