The Polish Music Reference Center (renamed the Polish Music Center in 2000) was established in 1985 by Stefan and Wanda Wilk. Their initial donation of $100,000 followed the agreement with the University of Southern California and the School of Music (renamed the USC Thornton School of Music in 1999) to establish the Stefan and Wanda Wilk Endowment Fund, supporting the Center’s activities in the field of Polish Music.

Officially dedicated in January of 1985 in the presence of composer Witold Lutosławski and other distinguished guests, the endowment fund of the Polish Music Center has grown substantially over the years, enlarged by generous contributions and donations from the Wilk family, Witold Lutosławski, Dr. and Mrs. Zbigniew Petrovich, Dr. and Mrs. Clark Halstead, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Harris, Dr. Helena Nowicka, and Lottie Harasimowicz. However the PMC relies on the ongoing generosity of our donors to support such day-to-day operational costs as office equipment and supplies, as well as funds for new library items, publications, research assistance and events.