Uniworld President Ellen Bettridge And Vice President Wanda Kowalcyk Recognized With Courage To Educate Award
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises President Ellen Bettridge and Vice President Wanda Kowalczyk have been honored with the David Labkovski’s Project (DLP) prestigious ‘Courage to Educate Award.’
This award comes as a result of their commitment to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism through Uniworld’s Jewish Heritage Cruises, aligning with the DLP’s mission to educate the public concerning the history of the Jewish people in Europe, America and beyond.
“I’m humbled and honored to have received this award, alongside my incredible team member and trusted colleague Wanda Kowalczyk,” said Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “We’re immensely grateful for the opportunity to help tell the story of the inspiring Jewish communities in Europe. The Jewish Heritage cruises are a very special part of our portfolio, and educating our guests on this important history is something that we’re very proud of.”
The only river cruise company to offer two distinct Jewish Heritage cruise itineraries, Uniworld extends the chance to experience the 10-day Delightful Danube & Prague as well as the 11-day Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland sailings with an in-depth focus on the enduring Jewish legacy on every sailing.
Aboard these special itineraries, guests can expect visits to Holocaust memorials, Jewish museums, and WWII sites that are vital to understanding Holocaust history, such as Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter, the Anne Frank House, and a number of other important landmarks. In addition to a focus on the past, guests can anticipate guest scholars, art exhibits and onshore excursions that showcase thriving modern-day Jewish culture.
The Jewish Heritage theme cruises serve as cross-cultural “bridges of understanding,” created for those looking to explore their roots and their present via an engaging and immersive journey. Honorees Ellen Bettridge and Wanda Kowalczyk created Uniworld’s Jewish Heritage Cruises with an emphasis and understanding of the 2,000-year-old history of the Jewish people in Europe, telling the story for guests of a culture that flourished for centuries despite the odds.
The overall mission of the David Labkovski Project, the bestower of the award, is to educate through the art of David Labkovski (1906-1991) and provide a bridge from the past to the present through art. The DLP introduces and preserves the legacy of the Holocaust experience through Labkovski’s world-renowned artwork. Additionally, the DLP has developed project based educational programs for middle, high school and college learners using the art as a vehicle to empower students to be able to educate their peers about the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism, and supports those looking to educate the public on this important topic.
Uniworld has donated two Jewish Heritage Cruises, one on the Danube River and the other on the Rhine River at the DLP Auction that raises funds for the critical work that the DLP is doing in Holocaust education and awareness. The DLP online exhibit “A Visual Diary of the Past” can be viewed at www.davidlabkovskiproject.org and allows for interactive opportunities.
No matter the itinerary, each Uniworld river cruise ship is an individually designed work of art. Through custom fabric and furnishings, original art and unique themes, the decor on board reflects the destinations it sails with the finest chefs, the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets and other regional supplies, and distinctive wines and beers chosen by acclaimed sommeliers creating a culinary journey for all of the senses.
(Uniworld President Ellen Bettridge And Vice President Wanda Kowalcyk Recognized With Courage To Educate Award – Uniworld Boutique River Cruises)
