From 28 April to 2 May 2026, a delegation from the University of Rzeszów visited Chicago. The University was represented by the Rector, Prof. Adam Reich, MD, PhD, and the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology, Edyta Łuszczki, PhD, Professor at the University of Rzeszów. The trip took place as part of an official delegation from the Podkarpackie Province led by Marshal Władysław Ortyl and was of an academic, diplomatic and promotional nature.

The programme of the visit included meetings with representatives of American universities, diplomatic institutions and Polish community groups, as well as participation in the celebrations of Constitution Day on 3 May organised in Chicago.

Loyola University Chicago – development of academic cooperation

29 April

One of the key highlights of the visit was a meeting at Loyola University Chicago – a partner institution of the University of Rzeszów. Discussions focused on the further development of academic cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and opportunities to expand joint research and teaching activities.

During the visit, the delegation familiarised themselves with the university’s teaching and research facilities, including the activities of the Oncology Centre and the Stritch School of Medicine. A highlight of the programme was a lecture by the Rector of the University of Rzeszów, Prof. Adam Reich, on the activities, development, and scientific and teaching potential of the University of Rzeszów. The presentation provided an opportunity to outline the University of Rzeszów’s development priorities and opportunities for further cooperation to the American partners.

On the same day, the delegation from the University of Rzeszów also visited Rush University Medical Center.

Holy Cross College – continuation of academic cooperation

On 29 April, a meeting was also held with representatives from Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Those taking part in the discussions included Dr Marco Clark, President of Holy Cross College, and Prof. Cosette Fox. The meeting focused on the further development of academic cooperation with the University of Rzeszów. Previous visits by representatives of Holy Cross College to the University of Rzeszów and the discussions held to date form the basis for further joint activities.

Meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Poland

30 April

On 30 April, a delegation from the University of Rzeszów met with Regina Jurkowska, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago. The meeting was attended by the Rector of the University of Rzeszów, Prof. Adam Reich, and the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology, Prof. Edyta Łuszczki. The meeting was a key part of a diplomatic and institutional visit and provided an opportunity to discuss the internationalisation of the university, the promotion of Polish science, and the development of academic cooperation between Poland and the United States.

The prospect of establishing a partnership with DePaul University

On the same day, representatives from the University of Rzeszów also visited DePaul University – one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States.

The delegation from the University of Rzeszów met with university representatives responsible for international cooperation, research development and academic education. DePaul University was represented by: Gian Mario Besana – Associate Provost for Global Engagement and Online Learning, Gretchen Frickx – Senior Director for International Student Success and Global Partnerships Management, Daniela Stan Raicu – Associate Provost for Research, Kirsten Yehl – Director of Pre-Award Services and Research Development, and Stephanie Dance-Barnes – Dean of the College of Science and Health.

The meeting served as an initial step towards cooperation between the universities and focused on the possibility of signing a partnership agreement. Discussions covered, among other things, academic exchange, joint research projects and opportunities for implementing international programmes.

On the same day, representatives of the University of Rzeszów also met with representatives of the Polish diaspora in the US. Discussions centred on the role of Polish diaspora communities in supporting educational cooperation and promoting Polish science and culture abroad. 

Patriotic ceremonies and celebrations marking Constitution Day on 3 May

1 May

On 1 May, a delegation from the University of Rzeszów took part in patriotic events organised in Chicago to mark Constitution Day on 3 May. The programme began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tadeusz Kościuszko monument. Among those attending the ceremony was Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland.

Representatives from the University of Rzeszów then took part in a flag-raising ceremony for the Polish flag at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago – a symbolic event highlighting the presence and significance of the Polish community in the United States. The ceremony brought together representatives of local authorities, Polish community organisations and guests from Poland, and served as an expression of the cultivation of national traditions and ties with the homeland.

2 May

On 2 May, a delegation from the University of Rzeszów took part in a formal meeting with Chicago city officials and representatives of the Polish community. During the event, the Rector of the University of Rzeszów, Prof. Adam Reich, delivered a speech, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, the role of the Polish diaspora in building academic relations, and the presence of Polish universities on the international stage. Among the invited guests, the Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, also addressed the gathering.

The highlight of the celebrations was the participation of a delegation from the University of Rzeszów in the 3 May Constitution Day Parade, which took place in downtown Chicago. This is one of the most important events for the Polish diaspora in the United States, bringing together representatives of social, cultural and educational organisations. The delegation from Podkarpacie, including representatives of the University of Rzeszów, took part in the parade alongside numerous Polish community groups, highlighting the importance of the ties between Poland and the Polish community in America.

Podsumowanie wizyty

Wizyta delegacji Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego w Chicago była okazją do rozwijania współpracy akademickiej z Loyola University Chicago i Holy Cross College oraz do rozmów dotyczących możliwości nawiązania współpracy z DePaul University. Stanowiła także ważny element promocji oferty edukacyjnej Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego na arenie międzynarodowej, w tym kierunków realizowanych w języku angielskim.

Szczególnie miłym i budującym akcentem były spotkania z absolwentami Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego, którzy dziś mieszkają i pracują w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Obecność absolwentów podczas wydarzeń organizowanych w Chicago była powodem do dumy oraz potwierdzeniem, że społeczność Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego tworzy silne więzi niezależnie od miejsca na świecie.

Delegacja Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego składa serdeczne podziękowania wszystkim gospodarzom, partnerom oraz przedstawicielom Polonii za życzliwe przyjęcie, otwartość i niezwykle gościnną atmosferę towarzyszącą całej wizycie. Spotkania i rozmowy przeprowadzone podczas pobytu w Chicago stanowią cenny fundament dla dalszej współpracy naukowej, edukacyjnej i społecznej.