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Andrew Chudzinski, 1959- 2023

Writer's picture: Diane Mizera BlackburnDiane Mizera Blackburn



Andrew (“Andy”) Chudzinski, Immediate Past President of the Knights of Dabrowski, passed away in June of this year. One of Andy’s last acts within the organization was his involvement in this year’s scholarship review process which began in early June. A few days after our first round of application reviews, Andy fell ill and sadly did not recover.

Andy became involved with the Knights of Dabrowski in the 1980s. His dedication and commitment to the organization stemmed from a desire to pay forward the benefits received while a student himself. Eventually, as a film professional, Andy’s skills and talents played an integral role in chronicling many organizational events, as well as documenting the biographical histories of many members who shared their journey from Poland to the United States following World War II. Andy’s position with the organization grew to a leadership role, and ultimately, he served as President from 2014 through 2022.

In addition to his involvement with the Knights of Dabrowski, Andy left his mark on the world in many other ways – personally, professionally, and philanthropically. Andy was a Northwestern University graduate and earned his MFA in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production at the University of Southern California. He later earned multiple awards for work at Rotary International, where he directed and produced hundreds of films and short documentaries about the international philanthropic work that Rotarians do. All of that was in addition to teaching Film Directing at Columbia College Chicago for over two decades. Andy was also an intern and production assistant for the famous Polish film director Andrzej Wajda in the early 1980s.

Andy’s volunteer work was equally as extensive: He was a member of the Polish Youth Association (Harcerstwo); filmed and edited several dozen events for the Legion of Young Polish Women; and, he served the Knights of Dabrowski organization for over 30 years.

Andrew’s father was a Polish fighter pilot who served in the RAF during WWII, and his mother was a part of the Polish Underground/Home Army who fought Nazis during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944.

To quote a close friend, “Andy was funny, engaging, approachable, compassionate, and forgiving. He always knew how to look at the bright side of things, and how to serve others and our community. Andy’s departure from this world is a loss not only for his family and friends, but for the wider community that he served.”

Andrew is survived by his wife, Katarzyna (Kasia), and older brother, Mark, and his family. He also leaves behind hundreds of former students, co-workers, co-conspirators, and friends who are equally as devastated by his untimely passing.

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Formerly known as the Knights of Dabrowski / Crusade for Education
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Itasca, IL 60143

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Nonprofit Tax Code Designation: 501(c)(3)
Chicago IL | IRS ruling year: 1966 | EIN: 36-6120638

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