Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year 2024/2025 [coverage]

Academic procession

The ceremonial rectorial procession set off from the Monument of the September Scouts in Katowice. Accompanied by the Wujek Coal Mine Band, it proceeded along Korfantego Avenue towards Spodek, then turned onto Roździeńskiego Avenue via General J. Ziętek Roundabout and finally reached the entrance to the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra from Wojciech Kilar Square via Olimpijska Street. The arrival of the rectorial processions at NOSPR was marked by a "guard mount" performed by the Cieszyn Wind Orchestra of the University of Silesia. The procession entered the concert hall of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice to the tune of "Gaudeamus igitur" sung by academic choirs. The Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice also performed at NOSPR.

Ceremony

The Inter-University Inauguration Ceremony of the Academic Year 2024/2025 was officially opened by Jarosław Juszkiewicz. All guests were warmly welcomed by HM the Rector of the University of Silesia in Katowice, prof. dr hab. Ryszard Koziołek, who delivered a brief address:

"We want to demonstrate that our universities are eternal. Of course, no human creation is everlasting, but in our work we must think in terms of eternity, for knowledge and the science of knowledge have no horizon of fulfillment. We want to show the next generations of students that universities are contemporary, because they must be contemporary. We want to be needed to understand the world you live in today. This tension between the contemporary and the eternal gives rise to the question - do we preserve the idea of the University? Do we understand the contemporary world? Are we needed or are we enduring? May this question, this unease, never leave us as we begin the new academic year in the endless duration of Universities."

Subsequently, HM the Rector of the Academy of Fine Arts, prof. dr. hab. Grzegorz Hańderek, delivered the formula formally opening the academic year 2024/2025, wishing it to be good, fortunate, happy, and fruitful: QUOD BONUM FELIX, FAUSTUM FORTUNATUMQUE SIT!

Congratulatory letters

Numerous congratulatory letters were presented to the hosts of the ceremony. The letter from the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, was solemnly read by the Presidential Advisor, Paulina Malinowska-Kowalczyk:

"I am convinced that undertaking ambitious economic challenges of strategic importance for the future of the Republic of Poland will allow Polish science to overcome the barriers that have so far stood in the way of its development. At the beginning of the new academic year, I wish you all satisfaction from acquiring new skills and discovering the secrets of knowledge. I wish that this special synergy, which arises from the meeting of talented youth with enthusiastic, creative lecturers, will open up new horizons of endless possibilities for you. Vivat Academia! Vivant Professores!"

In her speech as the Advisor for Persons with Disabilities, Paulina Malinowska-Kowalczyk also extended her best wishes to all students and words of appreciation to individuals with special needs, while also conveying greetings to the university's disability coordinators.

Expressing gratitude for the cooperation of Silesian higher education institutions, as well as for the solidarity shown with flood victims in recent events, Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek stated:

"I am immensely grateful for what you are doing and how you are promoting Katowice in Poland and around the world. The European City of Science was a great challenge, but you have handled it brilliantly and I hope that it will truly be a milestone in the development of higher education institutions throughout the entire agglomeration. (...) This example shows that cooperation has a future."

Minister of Industry, dr hab. Marzena Czarnecka, prof. UE, extended her best wishes to the participants of the ceremony:

"I am incredibly honored that Katowice was chosen, both by the Polish government and by all those in power, as a place, not only as a city of science, but also as a city that is to deal with transformation. (...) What lies ahead of us in the next year? Certainly changes and certainly transformation. And we will manage, not only as Silesians, but also as Poles, and especially as Silesians. Why especially? Because I think that without Silesia these changes would not have been possible. Silesia is such a special region, above all close to our hearts. (...) For the new academic year, I wish you strength, perseverance, passion, and above all, the curiosity about the world that you have so far!"

Anna Radwan Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs then noted:

"I believe that the higher education institutions of the Silesian Voivodeship, with their scientific and research potential, as well as their human potential and enthusiasm, which I had the opportunity to see here a moment ago, will be an important element of our joint efforts to shape the image of Poland as an innovative and cooperative country."

The letter from Minister of Education Barbara Nowacka was read by Jaroslaw Juszkiewicz:

"Today's inauguration organized by excellent universities is an expression of the belief that strength lies in unity, and that scientific cooperation transcends individual achievements, becoming a course to achieve the best results. It is through this synergy that Katowice's scientific and academic community will be able to meet the challenges of the modern world and respond decisively to global needs. Joint action becomes a catalyst for future discoveries, and today's meeting demonstrates that openness to collaboration and exchange of ideas is the key to future success."

Matriculation ceremony

Later in the event, the most solemn and significant part of the inaugural celebrations took place - the Matriculation ceremony. The symbolic act of welcoming newly admitted students and doctoral candidates of the University of Economics in Katowice was performed by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak - emphasizing that “at the moment of matriculation and taking the oath, persons admitted to the university acquire the rights of a student by becoming members of the academic community.” 

Students and doctoral students took the oath pledging that: taking up studies at the University of Economics in Katowice / education at the Doctoral School of the University of Economics in Katowice and becoming a member of the University community will:

• persistently strive to acquire knowledge and develop their own personality,
• relate with respect to the University authorities and all members of the University community,
• respect the laws and academic customs 
• by their conduct take care of the dignity and honor of a student of the University of Economics in Katowice.

 After taking the oath, the academic choirs sang the hymn "Gaude Mater Polonia".

Then the students and doctoral students of all universities were welcomed on behalf of the rector's authorities by HM the Rector of the Silesian Medical University, prof.dr hab.n.med. Tomasz Szczepański, and representatives of governmental and local authorities spoke next. 

“It is a great honor for me to participate in such a momentous event as the Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year in the European City of Science Katowice 2024. There would not be this title, this joint celebration, if it were not for the cooperation we have undertaken and the bold and shared vision. Today, Katowice universities, the entire Upper Silesian and Zagłębie Metropolis are recognized not only on the scientific map of Europe. And for this, I sincerely thank everyone involved in these activities. I wish you that the new academic year will be a time of achieving your goals and fulfilling your dreams, because dreams are important especially in science. All the best!" - emphasized Kazimierz Karolczak, chairman of the board of directors of the Metropolis GZM. 

On behalf of the Mayor of the City of Katowice dr Marcin Krupa - Vice Mayor Waldemar Bojarun, who, addressing the students and doctoral students, noted:

“You are winners. Because can you be more proud and joyful about studying at great universities and, what's more, in the European City of Science? You will always be able to look back on your universities as a special place where you have gained successive career levels. I wish you, on behalf of the President and the entire community of Katowice, that you never lose this idea, which is close to my local government heart, i.e. pro publico bono” .

On behalf of the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship Wojciech Saługa, the congratulatory address was read by Rafał Adamczyk - Member of the Board of the Silesian Voivodeship:

The voice of the entire local government of the Silesian Voivodeship: we are happy to welcome students, lecturers, all academics to the thresholds of each University. The academic year 2024/2025 beckons with hope to Katowice - the European City of Science 2024. The inauguration of the academic year is also a time to reflect on the challenges facing science and higher education today. We look with great appreciation and respect at the academic community, which is not only studying the world, but also shaping it.

The newcomers were welcomed by their peers:

• Chairman of the Student Government of the Academy of Physical Education - Jakub Ignaszak,
• Vice-Chairwoman of the University Council of Doctoral Students' Self-Government of the University of Silesia - Anna Kocjan.

Inaugural Lecture

During the official part of the Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year, it was time for the first inaugural lecture of the new academic year, entitled "Knowledge and Ignorance: Does the West Understand Everything?". The special guest, Professor Norman Davies, delivered the lecture.

Closing

I have been given the great honor of closing the ceremony. I wish you that the coming Academic Year will be very active intellectually and physically, and that we will be healthy. As we know, these three things are interrelated. I declare the inaugural ceremonies of the year 2024/2025 closed! - said HM The Rector of the Academy of Physical Education prof. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Małecki.

Musical Accompaniment

The ceremony was enhanced by the wonderful musical performance of academic choirs, including:

• Academic Choir of the Silesian University of Technology
• Choir of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice
• Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice
• "Harmonia" Choir of the University of Silesia
• Cieszyn Brass Band of the University of Silesia.

Concert 

To conclude the ceremony, a concert was performed by the Polish  National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice, along with the choirs of the Silesian University of Technology, the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, the University of Economics in Katowice, and the University of Silesia, conducted by Szymon Bywalec.

Events on the Katowice Market Square 

It's worth noting that the entire event, the Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year 2024/2025, was preceded by events and attractions in Katowice Market Square. For all residents of Katowice, passersby, students, and anyone interested, the science town of the European City of Science Katowice 2024 was available, where..

Another attraction was the beautiful and colorful performances of folk ensembles:

• Student Song and Dance Ensemble "Katowice" of the University of Silesia
• Song and Dance Ensemble "Silesianie" of the University of Economics in Katowice

Organizers:

• the University of Silesia in Katowice,
• Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice,
• the Academy of Fine Arts and Designs in Katowice,
• the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice,
• the Silesian University of Technology,
• the Medical University of Silesia,
• the University of Economics in Katowice,
• Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland,
• Regional Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools,
• Conference of Rectors of Economic Universities.

Co-organizers: the City of Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Metropolis GZM.

Event's partners

The honorary patronage of the event is held by:

• Minister of Science,
• Minister of Sport and Tourism,
• The Polish Academy of Sciences,
• Mayor of the City of Chorzów,
• Mayor of the City of Cieszyn,
• Mayor of the City of Gliwice,
• National Representation of Doctoral Students,
• Mayor of the City of Rybnik,
• Minister of Culture and National Heritage,
• Minister of Health,
• Parliament of Students of the Republic of Poland,
• Conference of Rectors of Universities of Arts,
• Mayor of the City of Bielsko-Biała,
• Mayor of the City of Bytom,
• Mayor of the City of Sosnowiec,
• Mayor of the City of Zabrze.

Media Patronage:

• Forum Akademickie, 
• Gazeta Wyborcza,
• Radio Nowy Świat.

The institutional partner is the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. 

The event is co-financed by the Silesian Voivodeship: the co-organiser of the European City of Science Katowice 2024.

Photo Gallery