In honor of Sylvia Trefil Mestek

James&WandaTrefilDrs. James and Wanda Trefil 3rd Prize Award in honor of Sylvia Mestek Trefil

Drs. James and Wanda Trefil are both educators and opera lovers.  They take delight in finding and rewarding talented young people, and helping them to fulfill their goals.  Dr. James Trefil is a Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, and author of 50 books on scientific subjects.  Jim’s mom introduced him to Lyric Opera in his home town of Chicago, and he continues to sing Bass in his church choir.  In honor of his mother, Jim and Wanda sponsor the 3rd Prize Award in honor of Silvia Mestek Trefil for PARTNERS for the Arts.

Dr. Wanda Trefil spent her life teaching in public schools as a Chorus and Musical Theater Director.  She is a pianist who enjoys accompanying singers. Wanda has chaired the ACPC Marcella Sembrich Vocal competition for singers of Polish descent.  To honor Wanda’s Polish heritage, the Trefils established the “Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship” through the Kościuszko Foundation for undergraduate students of Polish descent.  The Trefils sponsor the Chopin and Paderewski Prizes awarded by the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC). In 2020 Wanda was awarded the “Officer’s Cross of Merit” diplomatic medal by President Andrzej Duda of Poland for her work in promoting international relations between Poland and the US. The Drs. Trefil support the student opera productions at George Mason University and raise money for scholarships at GMU School of Music.

The Trefils are delighted to be part of PARTNERS for Arts family.