Century of Impact: A Legacy of Agricultural Innovation, The Life and Contributions of Emil Chroboczek

– Hanna Chroboczek Kelker, Ph.D.

Emil Chroboczek horticulture legacy

My father, Emil Chroboczek, the son of a Silesian coal miner, rose from humble beginnings to make significant contributions to Polish Agriculture. In 1929, after completing his undergraduate studies at the Agricultural University in Poznan and being recognized for his outstanding academic performance, he found himself on his way to Cornell University to pursue a Ph.D. in horticulture. 

He received financial support from the Polish National Fund and later received a timely scholarship award from the Kosciuszko Foundation that enabled him to complete his doctoral studies and pay for his return trip to Poland. He left for the States knowing only a few words of English, and he began his language study on his Atlantic crossing, struggling to read a book. During his two years at Cornell, he mastered the English language, but his first semester classes were stressful. 

Nevertheless, he excelled in his studies and research. His doctoral thesis on the influence of temperature on the flowering of beets is recognized as a classic study in the field of plant physiology, and it provided important practical applications. My father fondly remembered his two years at Cornell. He was devoted to his research, which he conducted under his mentor, Prof. Homer C. Thompson, an outstanding figure in the field of horticulture. During his two years at Cornell, he befriended his American colleagues, met many American horticulturists, and kept in contact with them throughout his life. One of his most cherished memories was meeting virtuoso pianist Ignacy Paderewski. 

Emil Chroboczek returned to Poland in 1932, and with his Ph.D. status and his research success, despite his young age, he was awarded a professorship at the SGGW, Poland’s national agricultural university, and he was also appointed director of a new horticultural research station in Skierniewice. Professor Chroboczek immediately set about bringing up-to-date facilities to the research station. He directed the construction of modern greenhouses, facilities for the storage of vegetables, and research laboratories, and directed research on the production of vegetables. In addition to directing the Skierniewice institute, he also lectured at the SGGW in Warsaw. 

Research progress at the Institute came to a near halt following Germany’s 1939 invasion of Poland, as my father dealt with the German authorities. His efforts were directed at preserving the Institute, protecting the staff, and making sure they had food. Following the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, many professors from the SGGW and other Warsaw Universities fled to Skierniewice, where my parents welcomed them and provided housing and food. I was a little girl at the time, but I still remember many interesting dinner conversations. 

The expulsion of the Germans provided no relief to my father. He was arrested by the Russian army, but thanks to a petition by the institute staff, he was released. Because he never joined the Communist Party or supported its doctrine, he endured further harassment. He found it difficult to promote research at the Institute, and he was detained several times by the police. I did not realize the difficulties that he experienced during that time. 

Eventually, though, the Institute gained new life. Damaged buildings were repaired, and modern research facilities were built. My father began to work with enthusiasm on new research projects evaluating new species of vegetables and introducing them into Polish agriculture, all the while continuing to lecture at the SGGW in Warsaw. My father contributed to the advancement of horticultural science and production as an administrator and research scientist (he published over 300 research papers and textbooks). 

In 1967, my father resigned his professorship at SGGW when he created the Institute of Vegetable Crops in Skierniewice. He served as a director of the Institute until his retirement in 1972. During that time, he was instrumental in expanding horticultural science and technology through the introduction of modern methods into the production of vegetables and mushrooms. As a result, Polish vegetable production, Polish vegetable consumption, and exports have increased. Today, Poland is one of the European leaders in vegetable and mushroom production. 

I remember the beautiful palace that housed the Institute’s offices. It has an interesting history. Until the 18th century, it served the Primates of the Catholic church and later served as a residence for the Russian Czar. My father was instrumental in renovating the palace and restoring its magnificence. Professor Chroboczek received numerous awards that recognized his scholarship and his contributions to horticultural science and technology.

He was elected a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the German Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Berlin. He received honorary doctorates from Humboldt University in Berlin and the Hungarian Horticultural University. He was awarded medals by the Polish government, among them, the Commander’s Order of Polonia Restituta. 

One of my father’s greatest assets was my mother, Zofia Gabryl Chroboczek, who had studied agriculture at the Jagiellonian University. Always by his side, she supported and helped her husband and contributed so much to his success. She typed his manuscripts, provided encouragement, helped to create a welcoming and supportive environment at the Institute, and was always dedicated and involved. 

My father was forever grateful to The Kosciuszko Foundation for the scholarship that allowed him to complete doctoral studies and begin a successful and exciting scientific career. He was always appreciative of his time at Cornell. He returned to his alma mater, Cornell, in 1966 and was delighted to meet many of his colleagues, his Ph.D. Mentor Professor H.C. Thompson and to visit The Kosciuszko Foundation office in New York in 1970s. 

My family shares its gratitude to The Kosciuszko Foundation. My husband Norman and I established The KF scientific scholarship fund in honor of Emil and Zofia Chroboczek. I was delighted to participate in many Foundation programs. My husband Norman joyfully participated in the Foundation’s Teaching English in Poland program (TEIP), our son Adam and daughter Kristina studied in the foundation’s Polish language program at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, and our grandchildren, Dominik and Sophia, enjoyed participating with Polish and Ukrainian students in a TEIP teaching camp. We hope that this family tradition will continue.

Hanna Chroboczek Kelker, Ph.D. is a scientist, educator, and advocate for Polish culture. A longtime supporter and Trustee of the Kosciuszko Foundation, she helped establish and chaired its Collegium of Eminent Scientists and a scholarship fund in honor of her parents. Born in Poland, she earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University and conducted research and taught at NYU School of Medicine. She proudly continues her family’s legacy of supporting the Foundation’s mission.

Explore the KF Collegium of Eminent Scientists: https://thekf.org/what-we-do/kf-collegium-of-eminent-scientists/

Learn more about Cornell CALS: https://cals.cornell.edu/