Honoring a Family Legacy

Dara Liberatore-Sawczuk ’93 graduated from Saint Peter’s University with her heart set on a career in business. Yet, after working for several years, she realized something was missing. Returning to Saint Peter’s for a master’s in education, she launched a successful career as a Catholic school teacher, a pathway that eventually led to Atlanta, where she met her future husband, Adrian Sawczuk.

The pair soon discovered a mutual connection to Saint Peter’s—Adrian’s father, the late Konstantin Sawczuk, Ph.D., had been a history professor at the University from 1964 until his untimely passing in 1981. Dr. Sawczuk founded an annual conference, now named in his memory, at the University to provide a forum for faculty, students and guest lecturers to present original scholarly research on topics of historical significance. The History Department also presents an award named in the beloved professor’s honor.

Now married, Dara and Adrian wanted to further honor the Sawczuk family’s legacy at Saint Peter’s. As part of the Transformational Scholarships priority for Peacocks Rise, they have established the Konstantin Sawzcuk ’56 & Marta Sawczuk Endowed Scholarship, awarded to history majors who demonstrate outstanding achievement and are alumni of Saint Peter’s Preparatory School or Saint Dominic Academy. Priority is given to students who are enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Today, Dara and Adrian are co-owners of Tidal Creek Brewhouse, a thriving craft brewery in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Dara says, “We hold a special place in our hearts for Saint Peter’s University because of Adrian’s family connection and my own student experience. We are grateful for the impact Jesuit education has made in our lives and want to share that gift with others.”