80th anniversary of the Faculty of Civil Engineering
More than 300 people – graduates, employees and students as well as representatives of the authorities of the Silesian University of Technology, took part in the 80th anniversary of the Faculty of Civil Engineering The ceremony was attended by graduates from the farthest corners of the world, such as New Zealand or China, while the oldest participants of the jubilee graduated from the faculty of 1956 and 1961.
- Excellent jubilee and organization of this holiday. Many graduates came to the ceremony, there are also employees, students, and friends of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. As you can see, the whole community of the Faculty is very close to each other – said the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof Marek Pawełczyk.
- Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Silesian University of Technology is one of the best in Poland and we are very proud about it. It is recognizable, conducts valuable scientific and research works, cooperates with foreign centres and, above all, has a great offer for students – added the Rector.
The Faculty of Civil Engineering is one of the four faculties that in 1945 formed the Silesian University of Technology.
- In those first post-war years, it was one of the key faculties, not only in Silesia, but also in Poland due to the post-war destruction of buildings. All this infrastructure had to be reconstructed, new buildings were also built, so the education of civil engineers was extremely important – said the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Prof. Barbara Klemczak.
-We need civil engineers today. It is a timeless and much needed profession, regardless of changing trends and popularity. That is why young people willingly choose this course; at the moment we have more than 1100 students at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. Interestingly, this is a multi-generational profession. Many families have studied here, many generations. We have even announced a competition entitled the “Tradition of studying at the Faculty of Civil Engineering.” We received many applications, and the winner was a graduate whose family has been associated with us for four generations, as many as 9 people from this family studied here – said the Dean.
The civil engineering traditions include the Wielki family. In 1961 Norbert Wielki graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, now his granddaughter Malwina Wielka studies here.
- I started my studies in 1955. I remember the time of my studies with sentiment, although it was difficult, because it was post-war time. We did not have the same knowledge as we do today. We used the scripts and what the teachers told us. Most of them were professors from Lviv, whom I remember very well – said Mr. Norbert.
- I never regretted having chosen this faculty and this profession. Although it was a big responsibility, it is also a great satisfaction, the opportunity to work for the society and leave something to future generations – he added.
After graduation, Mr. Norbert worked both on construction sites and in design offices, also abroad.
Civil Engineering was chosen by Mr. Norbert’s granddaughter – Malwina Wielka, who is studying for the third year and is also the Chairman of the Council of the Student Self- Government of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology.
- I told my grandfather about the fact that I chose to study civil engineering when I already knew that I would get to this faculty Grandfather was very pleased. Now she supports me, helps me in projects, shares knowledge - says the student.
-I like my field of studies very much. We have interesting classes, scientific projects, the opportunity to choose specialization. I appreciate it very much, that is why I will also do my master’s degree at this faculty – emphasized Ms. Malwina.
Among the graduates of the Faculty of Civil Engineering there are many distinguished personalities, among others Roman Fritz, Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, who during his studies in the 80s was a co-founder of the underground structures of the Independent Students’ Association at the Silesian University of Technology.
- I am glad to have been able to study here, at times like this, and with people like that. I have always felt the support of the Faculty and the Faculty community. Civil Engineering is a very difficult field, in the 80s we did not have access to computers, so we learned after nights from books or notes.
Many graduates of Civil Engineering, although they do not stay at the University continuing their scientific career, willingly cooperate with the Faculty. One of them is Jakub Groń, who with the Wrazidlok Association organizes “Rajzy” at the Silesian University of Technology.
-I finished my studies 2 years ago, but I am still affiliated with the Faculty of Civil Engineering. As part of the Wrazidlok association, we invite people to the polytechnic “Rajzy,” which in Silesian language means a guided tour around the campus. We organize these walks as part of the 80th anniversary of the Silesian University of Technology. During these walks you can learn not only the campus, but also the history of the University – said Jakub Groń.
More than 300 people attended the jubilee celebrations of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. Some graduates have flown from remote corners of the world, such as New Zealand or China. There were also some of the first graduates of the Faculty, among them Prof Włodzimierz Starosolski, who graduated in 1956.
