Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026 [coverage]

The inauguration of the academic year 2025/2026 traditionally took place in Auditorium A of the University of Economics in Katowice and was broadcast live via Facebook and the UE Katowice YouTube channel. A formal welcome was extended to the guests present in the auditorium and those following the event online by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honoured to welcome you all within the walls of the University of Economics in Katowice and to greet you at the official inauguration of the academic year 2025/2026, which this year is held under the motto ‘More than knowledge. The University as a community of responsibility." - said HM the Rector during her opening speech.

Distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including representatives of government and local authorities, Doctor honoris causa of the University of Economics in Katowice, representatives of social and business communities, heads of secondary schools, members of consular corps, rectors of regional universities, honorary professors, members of the Senate and University Council, representatives of the Alumni Association, and numerous members of the academic community.

This year’s speech by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak focused on the motto for the academic year:

"We live in a world changing faster than we can sometimes comprehend. Climate crises, geopolitical tensions, technological revolutions, and profound social transformations are creating a new order — not only globally but also locally. In such a reality, universities can no longer remain mere observers of change; they must become its co-creators. A university, especially one of economics, should be a space of responsibility, where ideas are born that shape new economic and social models, as well as decision-making systems and the values that guide us as a community."

The full text of the speech is available in the latest issue of Forum and on the University website.

After the address, HM the Rector officially opened the academic year 2025/2026 with the traditional words:

"May it be good, prosperous, happy, and fruitful. QUOD BONUM FELIX, FAUSTUM FORTUNATUMQUE SIT!"

The first speaker was Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with External Environment dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, who read congratulatory letters from the Marshal of the Republic of Poland Szymon Hołownia and the Minister of Science and Higher Education Marcin Kulasek.

The Marshal wrote:

"Today, the importance of science is greater than ever before. The exact and technical sciences drive economic development and transform communication, medicine, energy, and environmental protection. Meanwhile, the humanities and social sciences help us understand humankind - our history, culture, and values - and enable deeper insight into the complexity of social processes. Together, the sciences and humanities create a more complete picture of reality, shaping our sensitivity, critical thinking, and responsibility for the common good. Only through dialogue between disciplines, beliefs, and visions can we build a harmonious and wise future."

"On the occasion of the new academic year, I wish the University authorities, academic teachers, students, and doctoral candidates success, satisfaction with their work, and the fulfilment of ambitious scientific and educational goals. May this year bring discoveries, inspiration, and exchange of ideas, as well as strengthen the bond between the academic community and the economy. In an atmosphere of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, new solutions will surely arise - serving the development of Polish science and higher education" - added Minister Kulasek.

Then, Deputy Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship Leszek Pietraszek took the floor:

"Every great master was once a beginner. These words I direct to those without whom the University could not exist, and to those who shape its daily life. On behalf of Marshal Wojciech Saługa, the regional board, and the entire local community, I wish students the determination and enthusiasm to learn from your mentors - to not be discouraged by failures, and to enjoy this special time in your lives. To the academic staff, I wish eager listeners, inquisitive minds, and people unafraid to ask questions and engage in discussion. And to everyone gathered here - may we look back in a few years with pride at how our region has changed."

A guest speech was also delivered by prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman from Nasarawa State University:

"I bring greetings from the most populous country in Africa - Nigeria. It is a great joy to stand before you on behalf of our partners around the world. We have observed with admiration the growth of your University as a global academic centre - something we have witnessed firsthand as one of over a hundred partner institutions. It is a cooperation we are truly proud of. On behalf of nearly fourteen thousand staff and students of Nasarawa State University in Keffi, I offer my heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of the 2025-2026 academic year. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and to welcoming your staff, students, and University representatives to Nigeria whenever you wish."

Key moments of the inauguration were the act of matriculation, symbolizing the official admission of new students, and the oath of doctoral candidates to the academic community.

The student part of the ceremony was led by Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Relations prof. dr hab. Wojciech Dyduch, while the doctoral matriculation was conducted by Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak.

Students and doctoral candidates took the academic oath:

"I solemnly swear to strive diligently for knowledge and personal development, to respect the University authorities and all members of its community, to uphold academic rights and customs, and by my conduct to preserve the dignity and honour of a student/doctoral candidate of the University of Economics in Katowice."

After the oath, the new members of the academic community were welcomed by the Chair of the Student Parliament and the Chair of the Doctoral Students’ Council.

The University of Economics in Katowice has for many years carried out a special cooperation programme with secondary schools. During this year’s inauguration, certificates of appreciation were awarded to schools from which the largest number of laureates and finalists of subject Olympiads were admitted to the first year of studies. The schools’ national ranking positions in Perspektywy and the total number of admitted candidates were also taken into account.

This year’s awardees included:

• mgr Maria Dłotko - Director of VIII Secondary School with Bilingual Departments named after Maria Skłodowska-Curie in Katowice,
• mgr Teresa Horst - Director of the District School Complex in Bieruń,
• dr Jacek Pruciak - Director of II Secondary School with Bilingual Departments named after Maria Konopnicka in Katowice,
• mgr Joanna Walczak - Director of the General and Technical Secondary School Complex in Lubliniec,
• mgr Joanna Wojtynek - Director of I Secondary School named after Leon Kruczkowski in Tychy.

The past academic year brought numerous successes for the students, young researchers, and artists of the University of Economics in Katowice. The University community can take pride in achievements at both the national and international levels.

"I am delighted that these are successes not only nationally but also internationally. I am proud that the University of Economics in Katowice is represented at such a high level," said prof. dr hab. Wojciech Dyduch.

This year, distinctions were presented by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak and Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with External Environment dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE to: 21 students, 2 doctoral candidates, the University Choir, and the Song and Dance Ensemble "Silesianie" and its representatives.

The inaugural lecture titled "Where Companies Draw Their Strength From" was delivered by prof. dr hab. Maciej Mitręga from the Department of Organizational Relationship Management. The lecture explored the concept of “company strength,” outlining five dimensions of its origin: organizational, inter-firm, multi-tier, ecosystem, and macro - each discussed in detail.

During the inauguration of the 2025/2026 academic year, the University premiered its latest film titled "More than Knowledge. The University as a Community of Responsibility." The film presents a collection of events from the past year at the University and in its socio-economic environment.

The full broadcast of the inauguration is available on the YouTube channel and Facebook page of the University of Economics in Katowice.

We invite you to read the latest issue of the Forum magazine, which features a summary of the most important events from University life - from national and international meetings, through reports from conferences and debates, to scientific, student, and alumni achievements.

The 58th issue is available on the website.