This website and the Witnessing Auschwitz seminar of 2023 would not have been possible without the support, expertise, and patience of the following esteemed individuals and organizations. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for:
Director Andrzej Kacorzyk, whose warmly welcomed us to the program and generously shared with us his family story.
Dr. Piotr Setkiewicz, for his invaluable lectures, consultations with students on their research projects, guided tour of the city of Oświęcim, and for sharing meaningful moments with us over dinner.
Dr. Jacek Lachendro, who provided us with significant on-site lectures about the surroundings of Auschwitz I, including Budy and Jawiszowice.
Jadwiga Pinderska-Lech, who not only delivered important lectures on the history of publications at Auschwitz but was also our keynote speaker during the Witnessing Auschwitz conference.
Dr. Wojciech Płosa, who provided us with valuable information and graciously guided us through the museum’s archive.
Mr. Bogdan Bartnikowski , for sharing his extraordinary story of surviving Auschwitz and the writing of his deeply personal memoir “Childhood Behind Barbed Wire.”
Teresa Wontor-Cichy, who not only gave insightful lectures on the medical experiments conducted at Auschwitz but also gave us tours of less accessible areas of the camp.
Dr. Roma Sendyka, for her enlightening onsite lecture about the Plaszow camp.
Łukasz Lipiński, whose commitment to us and exceptional knowledge on the camp site was demonstrated in his willingness readiness to accommodate our requests and guide us to numerous important locations.
Tomasz Michaldo, who taught us the standards and steps to becoming a guide at Auschwitz and the great educational implications of the museum’s Holocaust education program.
Adelina Hetnar-Michaldo, who delivered a compelling presentation on the ways in which the teaching philosophy of Holocaust education at the museum have shifted since its inception.
Andrej Jastrzębiowski, who kindly guided us through the conservation room and the preservation process of the objects discovered at Auschwitz during and after our scheduled time.
Zuzanna Janusik, who not only provided us with captivating lectures on the national exhibitions of Auschwitz but also guided us through a comprehensive tour of these exhibits.
Agnieszka Sieradzka, who gave profound lectures on the significance of art within the context of Auschwitz and the Holocaust.
Daria, Dasha, Olena, and Oleksandra, for their unparalleled dedication and resilience while working at Auschwitz and sharing their stories with us amid the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Mathew Lyle of UBC Go Global, whose commitment to us was reflected in his numerous in-person workshops and international correspondence spanning over several months.
Jessica Tsai of UBC Go Global, who not only accompanied us to Oświęcim and the museum but also became an integral part of our support system.
Eugene Barsky from the UBC Library, whose kindness, resourcefulness, and professionalism aided in the launching of this website.
Ekatarina Grguric from the UBC Library, who demonstrated her dedication to us by being our primary liaison and bringing our multimedia research projects to life.
Minori Kato-Hopkins, whose expertise, precision, and responsiveness we often turned to for facilitating WordPress tutorials and troubleshooting.
Arts Research Abroad (ARA), whose funding allowed Arts students to travel to Poland without the stresses of significant financial burden.
The Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies Department, for their continuous support for and engagement with Witnessing Auschwitz students.
Weronika Cichy, for spending time with us and generously guiding us through museums and important landmarks in the city of Oświęcim.
Dr. Dariya Prykhodko, whose efforts in facilitating special meetings with the museum created meaningful connections that enriched our experience.
Marek, whose selflessness and dedication to the Witnessing Auschwitz students were exemplified through acts of kindness such as assisting with luggage and diligently looking out for our safety.
Lastly, we would like to thank Dr. Bożena Karwowska, without whom Witnessing Auschwitz never would have existed. Thank you for believing in us even in times when we do not believe in ourselves.