2008 Toasting the Founding of SVU
The Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU) this year has commemorated the 50th anniversary of its existence.
Since its inception in October 1958, the Society has grown into a respected international organization with members located in just about every corner of the world.
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the US H. E. Petr Kolář and his wife graciously hosted this occasion with a special reception on November 5 at the newly remodeled reception hall of the Czech Embassy in Washington, DC. It was a very enjoyable and naturally dignified event attended by some one hundred invited guests. Ambassador Kolář, who was first to speak, talked, at some length, about the accomplishments and the importance of the Society from the perspective of the Czech Republic. He was followed by the current SVU President Prof. Karel Raška who gave a detailed account of the development of the Society with the backdrop of the historical events in the former Czechoslovakia and internationally. The ceremonial part was concluded by Past SVU President Míla Rechcígl, who was on the ground floor when the Society started, reminiscing about the early days and explaining what led to the establishment of SVU. 
The attendees had an opportunity to view and buy Dr. Rechcígl’s new book On Behalf of their Homeland: Fifty Years of SVU and have it signed by the author.
There were a lot of interesting people at the reception, including Dr. Ján Pavlík, Deputy Mayor of Ružomberok and Dr. Dalibor Miluláš, Past Vice Rector of Catholic University in Ružomberok, who played a principal role in organizing the recent SVU Congress in Ružomberok. The joyous event proceeded into late hours and the Ambassador and his wife stayed to the end, which is indicative of a successful party.