Emeritus Professor Jerzy Zubrzycki AO CBE (1920 - 2009)

t was indeed very sad to learn from the media that the architect of the Australian Multicultural Policy, called in the literature the "father of multiculturalism", Emeritus Professor Jerzy Zubrzycki, AO CBE, passed away on 20 May 2009.  He will be remembered as a good friend of this University.

Jerzy Zubrzycki was born in 1920 in Krakow, Poland.  In 1938 he entered the Cavalry Officer Cadet School to complete a year's compulsory military service before beginning university studies.  Graduating in June 1939, he was essentially sent straight to the front line to fight the invading German Army.  Taken prisoner by enemy forces in September 1939, he escaped and served with the Polish underground movement, making his way to France.  In June 1940 he was evacuated to Great Britain where he served with the Polish Parachute Brigade and the Polish section of the Special Operations Executive (SOE).

Beginning his university studies in September 1945 at the prestigious London School of economics, Jerzy Zubrzycki graduated in 1948 and undertook further studies at postgraduate level.  After completion his thesis "The Adjustment of Polish Immigrants in Britain" under the supervision of Edward Shils and David Glass, he received the degree MSc (Econ) from the University of London.  Next, he was admitted to the Free Polish University Abroad in London where he wrote his second academic thesis "Social Change and Population in People's Poland" under the supervision of the famous Polish-American sociologist Professor Florian Znaniecki.  In 1954 the University awarded him a PhD.

Between 1952 and 1955 Jerzy Zubrzycki worked as the senior and then the Principal Research Officer for the H.M. Foreign Office in London.

In 1955 he accepted a post in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University (ANU) and immigrated with his family to Australia, continuing to work at the ANU until his retirement in 1986.  At this University he founded the Department of Sociology in 1970.  He was also appointed as a visiting Professor in a number of overseas universities and centres in the USA, Canada and Italy as well as other Australian universities.  He provided consultancies to the Federal Government in Australia and a number of international organisations overseas.  Between 1994-1999 he was very active as a member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Vatican City.

Professor Zubrzycki wrote extensively on sociological methods and education, immigration, ethnicity, population and various contemporary social issues.  His list of publications is very long and includes publications in languages other than English (Polish, German, French, and Spanish).

Of particular significance is Zubrzycki's public involvement in a variety of committees, councils and other bodies associated with policy advice to government.  He was very influential in the development of a number of social policies, in particular the Australian Multicultural Policy of which Professor Zubrzycki is the recognised architect.  This policy has attracted international attention for its use as a powerful tool in avoiding social conflict, and as one of the best examples of practical approaches to cultural diversity.

Professor Zubrzycki was a friend of USQ.  Since 1999, he had been a frequent visitor to the University as a guest speaker.  He also presented lectures and seminars at both the Toowoomba and Fraser Coast campuses.  He supported the University and always appreciated USQ initiatives and progress in the area of multiculturalism.  His advice on strategic directions for USQ in developing its multicultural leadership amongst Australian universities on this issue was well founded.

The last visit of Professor Zubrzycki to USQ took place in 2006 when he opened, the USQ Multicultural Centre (together with Mr Christopher Cummins, the then minister responsible for multicultural affairs), and participated in USQ Harmony Day.  He also gave a lecture during a special academic session involving government officials, diplomats, religious and community leaders as well as expert academics.  Although he was 86 at the time his voice was strong, and his enthusiasm and energy surprised all of us.

We will remember Professor Zubrzycki for his courage, wisdom, openness, modesty, support for USQ and his immeasurable contribution to multiculturalism in Australia and internationally.

Contributed by:  Dr Krzysztof Batorowicz, Director USQ Multicultural Centre, +61 7 4631 1675