The Polish University Club of Los Angeles was founded by Dr. Thomas M Potasz, a prominent Los Angeles ophthalmologist, in November 1947. Originally organized by a group of lawyers, teachers, physicians, social workers, and other professionals, its stated purpose was to serve the Polish community through programs promoting the culture of Poland as an integral part of the development of American society.
With support from the Potasz Trust and other memorial funds, donations, and fundraising events, the PUCLA’s primary focus at present is its Scholarship Program. The program encourages, and in many cases introduces, young people of Polish descent to a study of their Polish heritage. Annually, the PUCLA awards thousands of dollars to Polish-American college students from Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
The Polish University Club of Los Angeles is open to all Polonians and anyone with an interest in Polish culture. Among the many Polonians who have served the PUCLA throughout its 70+ year history are: Michael Potasz (brother of the founder), Bronia Walacha, Jean and Charles Breese, Helena Pharis, Halina Gawlińksa, Carolyn Hintz, Czełsaw and Gillian Olechno-Huszcza, Tom Bruzdowicz and many others.
The Club strives to broaden its membership throughout Polonia in Southern California and encourages support of its fundraising efforts for the benefit of young Polish-Americans. The PUCLA firmly endorses the belief that the future of Polonia depends upon an educated youth, fully conversant with its heritage.
Adapted by Artur A Prejna from an article written by Helena Pharis and Gillian Olechno-Huszcza and published in Polish-Americans in California, Volume II, 1995.