The ceremony of awarding the doctor honoris causa title of the University of economics in Katowice to Prof. Malay Ghosh - the global expert in the field of statistics, took place on the 14th of May. Despite the virtual form of the event, the ceremony did not lack its traditional elements and magnificent character.
The Formal Senate Meeting on the occasion of the promotion of Prof. Malay Ghosh to Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Economics of Katowice started at 3:00 PM (GMT +2).
Due to the pandemics, the event was in a hybrid form. The University's Authorities: Her Magnificence the Rector - Prof. Celina M. Olszak, Ph.D., D.Sc., Vice-Rector for Science and Development - Prof. Maciej Nowak, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Education and Internationalization - Prof. Sławomir Smyczek, Ph.D., and Doctoral Supervisor - Prof. Janusz Wywiał Ph.D., connected with the guests from the Senate Hall. Traditionally, the ceremony started with the performance of the Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice.
Her Magnificence the Rector Prof. Celina M. Olszak Ph.D.,D.Sc., greeted all the attendees. In her opening speech, the Rector emphasized how precious it is for the University to award the doctor honoris causa title to Professor Malay Ghosh:
"The University greatly appreciates the Professor's contribution to the development of world science. Special recognition should be directed at his exceptional achievements in the field of statistics and their applications in economic and social sciences, as well as international accomplishments in the field of teaching and science. [...] As the Rector of the University of Economics in Katowice, I am honoured to participate in this prestigious ceremony of conferring the University's highest dignity. Our academic community is proud and happy to hear that Professor Malay Ghosh has been welcomed into its ranks. Thank you, Dear Professor, for the vast knowledge and experience you share with us, and kindly accept our congratulations on one of your great achievements. I look forward to further and fruitful cooperation in the future."
Later, Vice-Rector for Science and Development Prof. Maciej Nowak, Ph.D. presented the procedure of rewarding the title. He gave his gratitude to the supervisor and reviewers for conducting the proceedings. Furthermore, he congratulated and expressed his highest appreciation toward Professor Malay Ghosh.
The crucial part of the ceremony was the laudation about professor Malay Ghosh given by the promoter - Prof. Janusz Wywiał, Ph.D., and the reviewers - Prof. Yves Berger and Prof. Ralf Munnich.
Due to the epidemic situation, the act of honouring decoration was in an unusual form. It consisted of the transfer of symbols of the award of the dignity of doctor honoris causa, which are diploma, sash, toga and biretta by post.
Moreover, the participants had the possibility to take part in an amazing lecture - "Small Area Estimation. An Early History", given by the doctor honoris causa of the University of Economics in Katowice Prof. Malay Ghosh, who joined the guests from Florida.
The next part of the ceremony consisted of the congratulatory speech, in the form of a video. The congratulatory letters are available below.
On that occasion, according to the tradition adopted at the University of Economics in Katowice, the 14 th Pedunculate oak was planted in the Avenue of Oaks of Honorary Doctorate holders, located on the campus of the University. This oak was named after the doctor honoris causa, Prof. Malay Ghosh, as evidenced by the commemorative plaque placed next to it.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting and unveiling of the commemorative plaque was performed by Her Magnificence Rector Prof. Celina Olszak, Ph.D., D.Sc., assisted by the Vice-Rectors: Prof. Maciej Nowak, Ph.D. and Prof. Slawomir Smyczek, Ph.D. the doctoral supervisor - Prof. Janusz Wywiał, Ph.D. and the Chancellor - Paweł Kadłubiak.
The Avenue of Oaks of Honorary Doctorate Holders is located on the Path of Polish Trees, which was created as part of the pro-ecological project UniEKO. Pedunculate oak was selected due to its nobility, which is deeply rooted in the consciousness of Poles, and for its longevity. The planted trees have been assigned to the honorary doctorate holders who obtained their titles from the University of Economics in Katowice in the course of its history.
The online transmission was moderated by the spokesman for the UE Katowice - Marek Kiczka. As usual, during the event, the participants could enjoy a special concert of the Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice.
We encourage you to see the photo gallery and the video from the Celebration.
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