The University Day - an anniversary of the University of Economics in Katowice 2025 [coverage]
The entire academic community celebrated the University of Economics in Katowice Day on January 13, 2025, in Lecture Hall A. This year's celebration was particularly special as it included the inauguration of the BAUHAUS4EU project. Additionally, the event featured the awarding of doctoral promotions, honorary professor titles, prizes for the winners of the 4th edition of the "Outstanding Alumni" competition, and distinctions for members of the academic community.
The University of Economics in Katowice was founded on January 11, 1937, when the institution's founder and HM the Rector, dr Józef Lisak, delivered the inaugural lecture at the Faculty of Industrial Organization. Since then, for 88 years, the academic community has gathered annually for a ceremonial meeting of the Senate and Faculty Councils to celebrate the University Day - an anniversary of the University of Economics in Katowice.
The event's distinguished guests were welcomed by HM the Rector, prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak, who addressed the audience with the following words:
"This moment is unique. The past, present, and future intertwine into a single narrative. The 88th anniversary of the University of Economics in Katowice is not merely a number but a symbol—a symbol of endurance, continuity, and constant change. It is the story of an institution that has not only withstood the test of time but has also dynamically developed, building its identity and position in the world of science, education, and its relationships with the broader community.
The year 2024 will go down in the history of our University as the Year of Science - a time when Katowice, as the European City of Science 2024 (the first not only in Poland but also in Central and Eastern Europe), became a symbol of scientific development and collaboration. Being part of this initiative is a great honor, but also a challenge that we have risen to meet. We have demonstrated that our University is an important pillar of academic life in the region and Europe. This project exemplifies how the collaboration of seven diverse public universities, along with city and regional authorities, can become a catalyst for innovation and the development of new industries based on science and technology. The 50 Weeks of Science designed and implemented in 2024 can be likened to a blue ocean. We confronted our knowledge and experiences across various dimensions. For instance, we integrated economic aspects with music, graphics, design, medicine, and technology."
Concluding her speech, she added words of appreciation:
"Eighty-eight years is a reason for pride, but also a commitment. Let our University remain a blue ocean - a place of discoveries, collaboration, and encounters with the unknown. May it continue to be a space where courage meets wisdom, and knowledge aligns with responsibility. On the occasion of the University’s Anniversary, I wish all of you continued inspiration, courage in facing challenges, and the satisfaction of being part of this exceptional community. The boundaries of science continue to shift, and our roles as researchers, teachers, and students are more significant today than ever before. We must have the courage to step onto uncharted grounds—to, like the protagonists of Lem, attempt to understand an ocean that at first glance seems incomprehensible."
The 88th Anniversary of the University was an opportunity to launch the BAUHAUS4EU Project, which aims to establish systemic, structural, and sustainable collaboration among the consortium's universities. This cooperation is expected to lead to the development of new solutions that go beyond existing models of partnership. Detailed information can be found in the latest issue of Forum, No. 57.
During this part of the ceremony, the first speaker was the Director General of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, Mirosław Marczewski:
"European universities aim to create three key components: first, to share an integrated long-term strategy for education addressing research and innovation needs for society; second, to establish a European university campus where students, doctoral candidates, and staff can collaborate at every level through mobility; third, to generate European knowledge in teams that jointly address societal needs through a multidisciplinary approach. [...]"
Following him, the Rector of Universität Weimar, Prof. Peter Benz, shared his remarks:
"The intention and goal of the Bauhaus project, as mentioned, is to develop a shared European campus with an innovative educational offering and to enhance mobility for all members. It aims to foster connections for students and staff to create a European network of universities deeply rooted in European values. Supporting social transformation is key to promoting European civic values such as personal freedom, academic freedom, diversity, inclusivity, integration, and linguistic competence through empathy and kindness."
Detailed information, as well as a list of leaders, academic coordinators, and administrative coordinators, is available on the website.
Doctoral promotions
The University Day, as part of a long-standing tradition, is an excellent opportunity to highlight exceptional scientific achievements and award doctoral diplomas. The ceremony was led by the Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak. This year, 18 scholars received their diplomas.
On behalf of the promoted doctors, dr Magdalena Dominiczewska delivered a speech.
The list of honorees can be found on the website.
Conferral of Honorary Professor Titles
The University Day provides an opportunity to honor distinguished retired professors by awarding them the title of Honorary Professor. This year, the titles were conferred upon:
dr. hab. Agata Małysa-Kaleta
dr. hab. Andrzej Bajdak
This part of the event was led by the Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak, while the diplomas were presented to the honorees by HM the Rector, Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak.
On behalf of the honored Honorary Professors, dr. hab. Agata Małysa-Kaleta delivered a speech:
"The title of Honorary Professor, recommended by the Councils of our Faculties and conferred by the University Senate, is a highly prestigious event for us. It fills us with pride and immense satisfaction. This honor ensures that we remain genuinely connected to our Alma Mater (...). For this distinction, honor, and recognition, we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who nominated us and to those who conferred this title upon us (...)."
Presentation of Statues for the Fourth Edition of the "Outstanding Alumni" Competition
The next highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the laureates of the fourth edition of the "Outstanding Alumni of the University of Economics in Katowice" competition. This part of the event was hosted by the Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with the Environment, Dr. Hab. Robert Wolny, Prof. UE. The statues were presented to the awardees by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Hab. Eng. Celina M. Olszak, and the President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Eng. Kamila Bartuś.
The laureates of the "Outstanding Alumni of the University of Economics in Katowice" competition are:
In the Academic Category - prof. dr hab. Krystyna Jędralska
In the Professional Category - Dariusz Mazurkiewicz
In the Social Category - Tomasz Konik
In the Rising Star Category - Kamil Lorek
Detailed information is available on the website.
Diplomas of Recognition for the University's partner schools
Certificates of Recognition for Partner Schools
The University of Economics in Katowice has been running a longstanding collaboration program with high schools. During this year’s University Anniversary, schools were recognized for having the highest number of finalists and laureates of subject-specific competitions who enrolled as first-year students at the University of Economics in Katowice. The evaluation also took into account the school’s position in the "Perspektywy" ranking, as well as the total number of admitted students and applicants from the school to undergraduate programs at the University.
The schools recognized this year are:
I Tadeusz Kościuszko High School in Mysłowice
School Complex No. 2 in Ruda Śląska
II Maria Konopnicka Bilingual High School in Katowice
I Leon Kruczkowski High School in Tychy
IV General Stanisław Maczek High School in Katowice
Awards for Members of the Academic Community
The past academic year, 2023/2024, brought numerous successes for our academic community, particularly among students who continue to expand their expertise in their chosen disciplines, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their future development. This year, 43 individuals were recognized. The awards were presented by HM the Rector, prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak, and the Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Relations prof. dr hab. Wojciech Dyduch, who emphasized:
"I am extremely pleased that these achievements are not only on a national level but also international. I am proud that the University of Economics in Katowice is represented at such a high standard."
Awards were also presented to the university's artists:
The Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice;
Michał Nowak and Monika Kusiak;
Krzysztof Małysz and Emilia Biernat;
The "Silesianie" Song and Dance Ensemble;
Jerzy Stasica, director of the "Silesianie" Song and Dance Ensemble.
Artistic Segment and Conclusion of the Event
At the end of the event, guests had the opportunity to enjoy music performed by the Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice and watch the films "The Potential of the Silesian Voivodeship" and "A University for a Lifetime".
To conclude, HM the Rector, prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak, thanked all the guests for attending the event, extended her congratulations to the honorees, promoted individuals, honorary professors, outstanding alumni, and directors of partner institutions, and officially closed the ceremony.
The University of Economics in Katowice Day was moderated by Press Officer Marek Kiczka.
Congratulatory letters
Re-broadcast of the ceremony
A webcast of the event is available on the YouTube channel of the University of Economics in Katowice and on Facebook.
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