On Wednesday, The University of Southern Indiana will host the inaugural event for an annual lecture series about the Holocaust.
Formally titled the “Edward D. and Regina Rechnic Holocaust Series,” the lecture and series will center on the Irene Rechnic’s family during the Holocaust, before they lived in Evansville.
Her parents Edward and Regina were imprisoned at Auschwitz by the Nazis. Irene was hidden and taken in by a Catholic family and eventually reunited with her parents near the end of the war.
David Bower is a friend of Irene. He’s also USI vice president of development, and president of the USI Foundation. He said before her passing, she funded this series in perpetuity through the USI foundation to keep the history of the holocaust alive.
“She was a passionate advocate her whole life for people to never forget. She would meet people, and especially younger people, they had no idea what the Holocaust was.”
He referred to the old adage , that history must be studied to avoid being repeated.
“I hope they learn about a local family that suffered through this atrocity. And that they will be encouraged because of this presentation, to look into a more detailed history of the Holocaust.”
He also hopes guests understand the importance of the Jewish community in Evansville.
This inaugural presentation will be delivered by attorney and family-friend Charles Berger. He'll introduce the different lecturers in the future.
The event is free, and is from 7-8 pm Wednesday September 28, in Carter Hall on the USI campus. It will include a Q and A session and reception.
