CVMBS Veterinary Technician Receives International Award
Story by Megan Myers, CVMBS Communications
James Mazurkiewicz, a veterinary technician at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (CVMBS) Large Animal Teaching Hospital (LATH), has received an international award for his dedication to Polish student success.
Mazurkiewicz has been selected as a recipient of the Polish University of Commerce and Services’ (WSHIU) President Award for his efforts in mentoring Polish students studying at Texas A&M and representing Poland at events across Texas.
“I am just a humble guy who was not expecting any awards; I have a lot of collaborative ideas to help build bridges between Poland and Texas,” Mazurkiewicz said.
“What gave me the idea for the bridge building is my biggest mentor, my father, Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, who has hosted many Polish exchange students studying agriculture and many university and government dignitaries. He also assisted in hosting the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and former Polish President Lech Walesa,” he continued. “I always try to be like my father, while, at the same time, building my own road and making my own path.”
As a participant in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) program, Mazurkiewicz assists in hosting and supporting Polish foreign exchange students studying at Texas A&M.
He has done several presentations in Poland about the history of Polish immigrants in Texas, including his ancestors, and about Texas agriculture, most recently at WSHIU’s International Scientific Conference. View a recording of one of his latest presentations to learn more about the different Polish settlements in Texas, including Mazurkiewicz’s family history.
Mazurkiewicz will receive his award from WSHIU President Magdalena Gorska in Poznań, Poland, on June 25.
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Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216
