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Patryk Jaroszkiewicz ’15, ’20 M.S., was spending the summer in his native Poland when he learned that David Schroeder, Ph.D., acting dean of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, would be awarded a Centenary Medal by the Polish National Police (PNP). He credits the relationship between the University and the PNP with enabling him to attend the prestigious ceremony.

"Dean Schroeder has been one of my mentors since I began my undergraduate career at the University, and being able to see him receive the medal at the Royal Castle in Warsaw was truly a one-of-a-kind experience," said Jaroszkiewicz, a candidate in the University’s graduate program in criminal justice. "It is also worth noting that from the distinguished group of individuals who were honored, besides the ambassador of Georgia, Dean Schroeder was the only non-Polish recipient of the Centenary Medal."

The PNP presented 100 Centenary Medals in honor of their 100th anniversary celebration, and Dr. Schroeder was one of fewer than a dozen recipients to receive the medal in the Grand Salon of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. He received the award in "recognition of achievements in popularizing police traditions and accomplishments."

"What I enjoyed most was witnessing my mentor being awarded such a prestigious distinction in my homeland, at one of the most historical places in the country."Patryk Jaroszkiewicz ’15, ’20 M.S.

"The medal represents the training exchange we have had with the Polish National Police for more than a decade, which culminates each year with a two-week summer study-abroad trip to Poland," said Dr. Schroeder. "In exchange, the Lee College has the honor of hosting delegations of the highest level of leadership from the Polish National Police, including the Commander-in-Chief (Gen. Dr. Jaroslaw Szymczyk), all of the Deputy Commanders in Chief, and many Generals and Regional Chiefs. These trainings, conducted here in Connecticut, focus on leadership, management, and cross-cultural differences in police training and evaluation."

A delegation from the New York Police Department attended the 100th anniversary celebration, as well as law enforcement officials from several other countries, including Georgia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The festivities included a soccer match between the NYPD and PNP teams as well as a parade.

"During the Polish National Service Parade that followed the Medal Ceremony, Inspector General Dr. Jaroslaw Szymczyk acknowledged in his official address, which was televised on Polish National Television, his appreciation for the ‘representatives of the University of New Haven,’" said Dr. Schroeder.

Mario Gaboury, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and the late Richard Ward, Ph.D., who previously served as dean of the Lee College, have also been recognized by the PNP for their work with the training exchange.

Being a part of the celebration was especially meaningful for Jaroszkiewicz, who plans to pursue a doctorate in criminal justice at the University.

"The atmosphere of the event was exceptionally uplifting and inspirational," he said. "Since I am very much connected with Poland and I always have it in my heart, what I enjoyed most was witnessing my mentor being awarded such a prestigious distinction in my homeland, at one of the most historical places in the country."