Key Milestones

1988      Nucleus of Association formed, and research begun on cities in every republic of the USSR.

1989      Uzhhorod, Ukraine chosen as best sister city possibility in the Soviet Union – City Council endorses relationship.  Oregon State University (OSU) President Robert McVicar submits CSCA Articles of Incorporation September 6.

1990      Corvallis Mayor Charles Vars leads first delegation to Uzhhorod, where he and Uzhhorod Mayor Emil Popovich sign a “Protocol of Intent to Establish Relations.”

1991      IRS grants 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to CSCA on April 1. First Presbyterian Church Choir includes Uzhhorod in its USSR tour. Uzhhorod State University student in Corvallis for an academic year at OSU sponsored by OSU and CSCA.

1992      Uzhhorod Mayoral delegation to Corvallis Mayors Landovsky and Vars sign sister city agreement March 27.  Sister Cities International (SCI) recognizes the Corvallis/Uzhhorod sister city relationship on May 14. Ken Trueba delivers a modem to Uzhhorod to facilitate our communications.

1993      CSCA sends first non-government delegation to Uzhhorod focused on medical, agriculture and internet.

1994      CSCA collects 27 tons of donated medical equipment as first shipment known as ATU (Aid to Uzhhorod).

1995      The first of many Uzhhorod medical staff (an orthopedic surgeon) visits Corvallis. ATU receives Best Single Project Award from SCI, the first of many SCI awards. Corvallis Altrusa member meets with newly formed Uzhhorod Altrusa. First three of many CSCA Uzhhorod high school exchanges students attend Corvallis area schools.

1996      Summer Youth Exchange – first of many youth exchanges between Corvallis and Uzhhorod.

1997      Uzhhorod Corvallis Sister Cities Association is registered as an official Ukrainian NGO.  First of many grants to serve Uzhhorod children with disabilities.

1999      CSCA receives three-year, $1.6 million AIHA grant for health program in Uzhhorod/Transcarpathia.

2001      14 Uzhhorod women attend training at OSU on neighborhood networking and emergency preparedness.  “Take One Ukrainian Child’s Hand” Project starts – first delegation travels to Uzhhorod. Thirteen Transcarpathian women spend one month in leadership training at OSU. The AIHA program opens Women’s Wellness Center in Uzhhorod and a Family Practice Clinic in Velyki Berezni.

2002      Corvallis-Uzhhorod Public Safety partnership formed. TOUCH project expands to include children with disabilities.

2003      CSCA receives first private foundation grant – $20,000 secured for TOUCH projects from Nu Skin Foundation. Uzhhorod Zonta Club chartered after substantial support from Corvallis Zonta Club. Corvallis-Uzhhorod Search and Rescue Alliance formed. Twelve Ukrainian tourism professionals attend three-week program at OSU.

2004      Two dental operatories opened in Uzhhorod funded by CSCA and other funders. Transparency Project brings five-member delegation from Uzhhorod – two members donate $1,000 dollars for OSU/LBCC Scholarships for women.

2005      CSCA produces Northwest tour of Uzhhorod’s 20-member a cappella, chamber choir Cantus. CSCA/TOUCH Project hosts first TOUCH delegation from Uzhhorod. CSCA acquires second sister city – Gondar, Ethiopia.

2006      First Sister Cities Week with Gondar and Uzhhorod Council participation. CSCA-UC hosts first of four Open World Delegations.