Joseph A. Drobot, Jr.
Fidelitas Medal Recipient Embodies Ideals
of Founding Father
The Fidelitas Medal,
first awarded in 1949, is presented in recognition of
one’s fidelity in serving
God, country, and the Orchard Lake Schools.
Fidelitas medalists are
evaluated for their realization of
the religious and
cultural ideals of Orchard Lake Schools founder,
Rev. Joseph Dabrowski, a
Polish missionary priest,
who established the
original education institution in Detroit in 1885.
Joseph A. Drobot,
Jr., an Honorary Alumnus of Orchard Lake Schols (H’00), has dedicated his life to God, his country and serving
others. As the current president of the
Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA), an organization founded in 1873
and recognized as “the mother of all Polish American Fraternals,” he lives by
his motto: Behind every success is
effort. Behind every effort is passion. Behind every passion is someone with
the courage to try.
The 70th
Fidelitas Medal recipient, to receive the Orchard Lake Schools most prestigious
honor at the Ambassadors Ball On April 22, 2017, was born in Detroit, Michigan.
He is the son of Joseph A. and Estelle L. (nee Kosch) Drobot and attended St.
Hedwig’s Grammar and High School before moving on to the University of Detroit
where he received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master’s Degree in
Economics. He then completed post-graduate work at Michigan State University.
Drobot’s dedicated
service to PRCUA spans over 50 years (Societies #87 and #718). He played in the
organization’s basketball and baseball league tournaments and, in the 1960s,
served as one of the insurance deputies as well as on the Budget and Grievance
Committee (36 years). His father, Joseph, Sr., served as the National President
for two terms (1978-1986), and he followed in his father’s footsteps when he
was elected in 2010. He will finish his second term in 2018.
Throughout his
storied career, Drobot served at a cost analyst (Ford Motor Company), vice
president (various NYSE companies; Michigan National Bank), and treasurer,
manager of mergers/acquisitions, and plant administrator (Wall Colmonoy Corp.,
a privately owned industrial materials engineering company with international
metal foundry operations). He was also an adjunct teaching instructor at a
number of Michigan colleges and universities.
Drobot has shared
his leadership, knowledge and talents with numerous organizations throughout
his life, including the Orchard Lake Schools as a former chairman (1992-94;
2008-10) of the Board of Regents (named to the Board in 1991), a member of the
Board of Directors, and a member of the Wikiera Foundation promoting Polish
culture and heritage through The Polish Mission. He has also served the following:
·
Polish Museum of America, Chicago, Illinois (Chairman since 2010).
·
Lourdes Assisted Living and Nursing Homes in
Michigan (Member of the Board of
Directors).
·
Freedom House, Sanctuary for victims of
political persecution seeking asylum in the United States (Member of the Board of Directors).
·
Edward and Ellen Dryer Charitable Trust
promoting assistance to the visually impaired through medical research and
community assistance programs (Board
member).
·
Parish and local community volunteer activity.
Joseph and Judy
Drobot have been married for over 50 years. They have four children and ten
grandchildren. The long-standing member of St. Regis Parish, Bloomfield Hills,
Michigan, spent a lifetime in the state before relocating to Chicago, Illinois
to assume the presidency of PRCUA.
Recognition, Honors, Awards
·
2012. Knights Cross of the Order of Merit from the Republic of Poland
awarded for service in promoting the good reputation of Poland and in combating
falsehoods and negative stereotyping of Poland, Polish History and Polish
citizenry.
·
2013. General Pulaski Medal of Honor from the Central Citizens Committee
of the City of Hamtramck, Michigan, awarded for service to the Polish American
Community in Michigan.
·
2015. Casimir Pulaski Award from the Polish American Congress, Illinois
Division, for work in promoting Polonia in the USA. (March)
·
2015. Haller Swords Medal, Cleveland, Ohio, conferred to civilians
working closely with the Polish American Veterans Association and Polonia.
(May)
·
2015.
Heritage Award, Polish American Congress, Indiana Division, for activity
promoting the good name and reputation of Poland, Polonia and Polish Americans.
