Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

Being recognized by your country with a distinguished medal doesn’t happen to everyone; imagine being singled out for this distinction three times! In October, Dr. Wiktor Askanas, a Professor Emeritus with the Faculty of Business Administration, received the Order of Merit from the Polish National Education Commission, an honour bestowed upon people who have made an outstanding and recognizable contribution to the Polish education system. This was his third medal from the Polish Government.

In 2003, by the decree of the President of Poland, Askanas became a Knight of the Order of Merit, in recognition of his contribution to the wellness of Polish Society; and in 2012 he received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit. But his awards of distinction don’t stop there; he’s also been recognized for his teaching and service throughout his career at UNB.

Askanas joined the Faculty in 1983 and taught courses in integrative studies, international business and strategic management in the MBA program and organizational design in the BBA program. He was recognized for his teaching with the Allan B. Stuart Excellence in Teaching Award, the 3M Teaching Fellowship, and the 2003 National Post Business Educator Award.

Throughout his career he had a record of extensive service within the University and beyond.  At UNB he chaired and served as a member of numerous committees. He was Acting Dean of the Faculty from 2004 to 2005, and was a member of the UNB Senate. He also served as Dean and Chief Executive Officer of IMC, Hungary, from 1998 to 2000.  When he retired in 2007, he received the Distinguished Service Award from UNB for his contributions to the University, the community and the profession and was named Professor Emeritus.

Askanas is recognized internationally as an expert in the areas of international business, strategic management, and governance. When he retired from UNB he was appointed as a lay member of the Competition Tribunal of Canada. He serves as a member on several boards of directors, and is Senior Adviser to the Chairman of the Polish Pension and Insurance Supervisory Commission. He is a member of the Supervisory Board of the Polish Institute of Directors and has been involved with the Polish Academy of Science since 1968. Additionally, he is a Senior Visiting Scholar with Kozminski University.

The Polish National Education Commission, the benefactor of his most recent medal, was established in 1773 and was the first entity of its kind in central Europe to oversee a national system of education. When he learned the Commission had awarded a medal to Askanas, Dr. Devashis Mitra, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, noted, “Receiving such a national award is rare honour but receiving such recognition thrice is truly exceptional and speaks to his multiple accomplishments and distinguished service.”

Photo: Dr. Wiktor Askanas was awarded the Order of Merit from the Polish National Education Commission.

For more information, contact Liz Lemon-Mitchell.

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