Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2024/2025 [cover]

Inaugural speech

In her speech, HM the Rector Celina M. Olszak focused on the motto that will guide the University of Economics in Katowice throughout the upcoming academic year:

"Collaborating for a Better Future" This simple yet profound slogan emphasizes the importance of collaboration, not only as a means to achieve goals but also as a reflection of our human nature as social beings who collectively shape the world. She argued that there is no more effective solution to the world's challenges than mutual cooperation and trust-based relationships. - she emphasized.

You can read the full speech in the latest issue of Forum and on the website.

Guest speeches and congratulatory letters

During this year's Inauguration of the academic year at the University of Economics in Katowice, we hosted the Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Szymon Hołownia, who delivered a speech addressed to the University's academic community.

"As a politician among economists, I ask: do these two worlds have anything in common? In fact, they share a great deal – their roots. Politics originates from 'polis', and economics from 'oikos'. So, 'oikos' means home, and 'polis' refers to the broader community, the city. Economics allows us to manage our household affairs wisely, while 'polis' and the politics that arise from it deal with common matters. (...) Often, in common understanding, profit is seen as the goal of economics. (...) But this is not the case. The ultimate goal of economics is community. The same goes for politics. The goal of politics is not victory, as it is often mistakenly perceived and presented by politicians. (...) The goal of politics is community. Economics and politics have a great deal in common, and yet, they often stray far from their original purpose, their source. That is why they need each other, to remind themselves of their purpose; to mitigate, encourage, and remind each other of why they exist" - emphasized the Marshal of the Sejm.

Concluding his speech, Szymon Hołownia quoted the Chinese proverb "it is later than you think." He thereby emphasized that "it would be good if we were to realize today that the year ahead cannot be a wasted year. That this year is priceless, that every minute, every second you spend here acquiring knowledge, sharing it, developing, and pushing Polish affairs forward, is absolutely worth its weight in gold, for the future, for future generations. I will wholeheartedly cheer you on in this endeavor. (...) I am convinced that such a wonderful community, with such wonderful people and such a wonderful anthem, will certainly be up to this task. Poland is truly very proud of what you do and eagerly awaits the next fruits of your labor. Build this wonderful community that you are creating at this University". 

The entire speech is available on the website .

The Voivode of Silesia also addressed the gathered guests, offering his congratulations to the staff, doctoral candidates, and students.

"Your Senate, it is always a great honor to speak at your University. This is the best and most prestigious economic university in the region. It is a University whose graduates and academics alike are leaders in the region, in Poland, and also in Europe" - pointed out the Voivode of Silesia.

Then, the Mayor of Katowice, dr Marcin Krupa took the floor:

"This university is shaped by people, their efforts, hard work, ideas, and their subsequent implementation. It is thanks to institutions like the University of Economics in Katowice that we can speak of the successful development of our city, region, and Poland." -said the  Mayor of Katowice.

Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship, Wojciech Saługa addressed the students:

"Beyond what the Rector and the Marshal have already mentioned – cooperation, challenges, and crises – most of all, we need you here so that we can grow, build, create, live, and work. We need people who will build our cities, our voivodeship, our region, and ultimately our country". 

The Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, prof. dr hab. inż. Marek Gzik addressed the academic teachers:

"You are a forge of talent. Economics is not only the foundation of the economy, but it is also a crucial element in safeguarding democracy, especially in times of populism.".

The last to speak was the Member of the European Parliament dr Borys Budka:

"At this point, I would like to extend my best wishes to all academic staff, colleagues, and friends. I hope that our lecture halls will always be as full as they are today, during our inauguration. I believe we can all wish for that. At the same time, I would like to thank the university authorities for the opportunity to serve as an academic teacher. Among all the roles I have had the privilege to fulfill, I am always proud to list academic teacher as my primary role. It is an extraordinary honor and a great privilege. Thank you very much".

Formation of the University of Economics in Katowice Advisory Board

During the solemn Inauguration of the Academic Year, appointments to the University of Economics in Katowice's Advisory Board were also conferred. The Advisory Board is an advisory body to the Rector regarding the development of the University of Economics in Katowice, composed of HM the Rector, Chancellor, Vice-Rectors, and representatives of the University's socio-economic environment. The official part of the ceremony was conducted by the Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with External Environment dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, who, together with HM the Rector, prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak, officially conferred the appointments and extended congratulations to the members of the University of Economics in Katowice's Convention. More information and the composition of the convention can be found on the website.

Matriculation

Following the appointment of the Advisory Board members, one of the most important moments of the academic year inauguration ceremony arrived - the act of matriculation, or the formal admission of students and doctoral candidates into the university. This part of the ceremony dedicated to students was conducted by the Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Relations prof. dr hab. Wojciech Dyduch. After the solemn oath and the conferral of the status of a student at the University of Economics in Katowice, it was time for the doctoral candidates to be admitted. This part of the ceremony was led by Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak.

"I solemnly swear that I will strive diligently to acquire knowledge and develop my personality, to treat the university authorities and all members of its community with respect, to honor academic rights and customs, and to conduct myself in a manner that upholds the dignity and honor of a student/doctoral candidate of the University of Economics in Katowice.".  -  solemnly vowed students and doctoral students.

Subsequently, the Rector, placing the ceremonial mace on the Candidate's left shoulder, pronounced the formula:

"You are now a Student of the University of Economics in Katowice."

Following the solemn conferral, the Chair of the Doctoral Students' Council, mgr Michał Michalski, addressed the assembly.

Inaugural lecture

Following the recitation of the formula officially opening the new academic year, an inaugural lecture was delivered by the Minister of Industry - dr hab. Marzena Czarnecka, prof. UE entitled "Science and Education in the Transformation of Silesia, Energy, and Industry". In her speech, she emphasized the enormous role that education plays in the transformation of Silesia, energy, and industry. The lecture delved into the complex process of Silesia's transformation, with a particular focus on the role of science and education in shaping new economic and social realities. The Professor analyzed the impact of changes in the energy and industrial sectors on the region, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformation.

A new issue of the University of Economics in Katowice's bulletin, "Forum"

A new issue of the University of Economics in Katowice's bulletin, "Forum", has been released to coincide with the beginning of the new academic year. This latest edition summarizes the previous years' work and, in line with this year's motto of 'Let's work together for a better future,' presents plans for the future. The issue also includes a collection of the most important university-wide, student, and scientific events that took place on campus and in our immediate vicinity, as well as the achievements of which the University of Economics in Katowice community can be proud.

More information about the new issue of "Forum" 

Media about the event

Photo Gallery