2024 Distinguished Alumnae Announcement

Janina Freyman ’55 has been a lifelong philanthropist, devoting her time, effort, and resources to innumerable causes throughout her lifetime.

After graduating from LFA Janina went on to UBC to study pharmacy. She graduated with a BSc in pharmacy, but her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue further education at the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy. 

It was at UBC that Janina met her husband Stan Freyman, who studied plant science in hopes that he could one day help eradicate world hunger. Together, the couple moved to India for two years to bring dry-land farming techniques to local farmers in India. Upon returning, Janina joined the Medical Unit of the Canadian Reserves stationed out of Jericho; Janina saw this as her way of giving back to Canada for all the opportunities it afforded her.

Janina had a strong sense of dedication to and belonging with the Polish immigrant community in Vancouver. She helped establish the Copernicus Home for Seniors, spending a decade on the Board helping the home modernize and grow. It now serves nearly 100 seniors. Through this work within the healthcare system, and being a pharmacist, Janina also served on the Board of the Catholic Health Association of BC and the Vancouver Council of Women.

Most notably Janina served as President of the Polish Women’s Federation for 13 years and has been involved with the organization for over 65 years. Some of her highlights with the Federation include organizing the 60^th anniversary celebration – a smashing success, supporting and fundraising for the Pope John II statue at the Archdiocese of Vancouver, and supporting and being on the Board of the Kopernik Foundation for nine years and serving as Vice Chair for three.

For her dedicated service over the years Janina has received no shortage of accolades, some of which include: a gold medal from KPK (Polish Canadian Congress) in 2014, a Certificate of Recognition from the Polish Consulate in both 2015 and 2018, and the Order of The Knight’s Cross from the Polish Government in 2016.

Most recently, Janina has been involved in organizing the annual celebration for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The event brings together refugee and immigrant communities across the Greater Vancouver area to connect, share their cultures, and rejoice over their common humanity.