Tri-C Famous: Andrew Bajda

Andrew Bajda is an assistant professor of business at Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus. As lead faculty for the College’s Small Business Management program, he also serves as faculty advisor for ThRIve — a student group that promotes entrepreneurship with a focus on impacting the local community. His 2017 book, Captured in Liberation, details his family’s escape from Poland in 1939 and his father’s quest to join Anders’ Army. 

1. What’s your motto or philosophy on life?
   As someone who teaches the importance of strategic planning, I’m big on personal mission statements. Mine is simply to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me, and to leave the world a better and happier place. 

2. Tell us your best “celebrity encounter” story.
   I’m not sure how much of a celebrity she is, but I’ve been fortunate to befriend Anna Maria Anders, Poland’s former Secretary of State and current ambassador to Italy. She is the daughter of General Wladyslaw Anders, who led the Polish Army across three continents during World War II. This friendship has opened doors that have introduced me to world leaders and laid groundwork with a film producer for a potential movie arrangement. In addition to that, Ms. Anders recently provided an introduction for the audio version of Captured in Liberation. 

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? What would you do?
   If travel restrictions are lifted by then, I plan to visit China in late spring to pave the way for a life-changing event with my sweetheart, Zhen. I will meet her family for the first time and visit the mystical city of Guilin. My expectation is that the next time Zhen comes to the United States, it will be for good. 

Want to be Tri-C Famous? Email beth.cieslik@tri-c.edu for a chance to be featured (or to nominate someone else!)

January 05, 2021

Beth Cieslik, 216-987-4538 beth.cieslik@tri-c.edu