National Education Day is a special occasion for the entire community of the University of Economics in Katowice - a time to express gratitude and honour those whose everyday work contributes to the University's development. This year's celebrations took place on October 14 and provided an opportunity to present state decorations, including Medals for Long Service and the Medal of the Commission of National Education, as well as Rector's Awards. Academic and administrative staff were recognised for their commitment and contribution to the University's development. The ceremony was enhanced by a performance by the Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice, which gave the event a special setting.
The academic community gathered in Auditorium A was warmly welcomed by prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak. In her address, drawing on the words of Krzysztof Penderecki, HM the Rector referred to the metaphor of a garden in the context of the work we undertake. She also extended her warmest wishes to the entire community:
I wish you good health, satisfaction and time for what is most creative in academic work. I wish you meaningful conversations, discoveries that change the way we see things, and colleagues with whom it is worth taking on difficult questions.
As we begin the celebrations of our 90th Anniversary, we think with gratitude about what we have received from those who came before us. What lies ahead is our own work, including work whose full results will be seen by others.
I would like us to retain the patience needed to carry it out and the imagination that allows us to begin it.
Presentation of decorations
The first item on the programme was the presentation of state decorations: 2 Crosses of Merit, 2 Medals for Long Service and the Medal of the Commission of National Education. The recipients were introduced by Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with External Environment dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE. The decorations and certificates were formally presented by Silesian Voivode Marek Wójcik and HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak.
What connects education at every level - primary, secondary and higher education - is working with another person. Education is not only about passing on knowledge. It is about discovering talent, inspiring passion and showing people the opportunities that lie ahead of them. And for all of this, I would like to thank you. For what you do every day. I think it is a fascinating profession. I myself had the opportunity to work as an academic teacher for some time, so I know what it is like. Above all, I wish you professional success and the opportunity to witness the growth that HM the Rector spoke about a moment ago. I also wish you satisfaction in seeing the achievements of your graduates - in following their progress and seeing what they go on to do with the knowledge and guidance that so often have their beginnings in your work - emphasised Silesian Voivode Marek Wójcik.
Rector's Distinctions and Awards
An important part of the National Education Day celebrations was the presentation of Rector's Distinctions and Awards to University employees. The distinctions for academic teachers were announced by Vice-Rector dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, while diplomas and congratulations were presented to the recipients by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak and Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak.
Administrative staff were also recognised during the event with Rector's Awards. Their achievements and commitment were highlighted during the formal presentation of the awards. The recipients were once again introduced by dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, while the diplomas were presented by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak and Chancellor Paweł Kadłubiak.
Closing
The ceremony concluded with an address by Chair of the Students' Parliament Julia Paczek, who thanked everyone for their commitment, everyday work and contribution to the development of the academic community, while also extending her warmest wishes:
On the occasion of National Education Day, above all, I wish you satisfaction from your work, enduring passion and the sense that the effort you make every day brings tangible results. May you never lack inspiration, energy to take on new challenges and reasons to be proud of your students' achievements.
To us, the students, I wish courage in asking questions, openness to new experiences and the ability to recognise the opportunities offered by the time we spend at the University.
On behalf of employees who are not academic teachers, wishes were also extended by Chancellor Paweł Kadłubiak:
We celebrate National Education Day together, but after all, it is essentially Teachers' Day. Therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen, following both tradition and the terminology used in legislation, I would like, on behalf of all of us who are not academic teachers, to extend my warmest wishes to all of you - our academic teachers. May this be a good and fruitful anniversary academic year for all of us. All the best!
The ceremony concluded with an expression of gratitude to the academic teachers, presented to HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak by the Chair of the Students' Parliament.
Today, once again, I would like to express my profound gratitude to all of you, to everyone involved in research, as well as in teaching and organisational work. I would like to thank our administrative staff, as well as our support staff, who approach all the tasks entrusted to them with great commitment and a strong sense of responsibility. I believe they also have the passion and courage to propose many new and interesting solutions.
I am very pleased that our University is developing. I think we have experienced this particularly strongly in recent times. I would like to mention once again - although I am sure you are all aware of this - that we received very good results in the latest evaluation of research activity. In five academic disciplines, we are authorised to confer doctoral and habilitated doctoral degrees.
In addition, our extensive involvement in the BAUHAUS4EU European University Alliance is strengthening the University's recognition not only in Poland, but also across Europe. We are a truly respected institution, a respected University. This is how we are perceived. (...)
Sometimes, perhaps because of a certain Polish modesty, we do not fully appreciate what we do and what we have achieved. And my wish for you in the coming year is that our own assessment of ourselves should be genuinely higher. We deserve it. You deserve it - concluded HM the Rector.
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