In the city of Rzeszów (Republic of Poland), the Chairman of the Academic Council of the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, Professor Ihor Tsependa, solemnly presented the diploma and robe of Honorary Doctor of the university to the famous German public figure, philanthropist and patron of the arts, Heinrich Gerhard Alfred Benner.
The ceremony, with the participation of members of the charitable aid foundation “Ukraine. Help. Breitscheid” Igor Kotsan, Vasyl Petruk, and German volunteers, took place as part of meetings and negotiations dedicated to the 100th humanitarian mission of the charitable association, which are taking place in Rzeszów from December 6 to 9, 2025.
During the ceremony, Professor Igor Tsependa delivered a laudatory speech in which he noted Mr. Benner’s many years of humanitarian work, his significant contribution to supporting Ukraine and the development of international cooperation in the fields of education, science, and humanitarian aid.
In recent years alone, more than three thousand tons of humanitarian cargo have been delivered to Ukraine under Mr. Benner’s coordination, including medical equipment, equipment for educational institutions, rescue equipment, and other critically important aid.
The awarding of the title of Honorary Doctor is a recognition not only of Mr. Henryk Benner’s professional and public achievements, but also of his extraordinary personal dedication to Ukraine, his ability to unite partners and build genuine bridges of solidarity between peoples. His name is now forever inscribed in the history of Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University.