Inauguration of the 80th Jubilee Academic Year at the Silesian University of Technology
With the participation of the new authorities of the University, the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, invited guests and scientists, students and employees, the New Academic Year was inaugurated at the Silesian University of Technology.
It was the 80th Jubilee Inauguration at our University.
The participants in the Education and Congress Centre were welcomed by the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
- For the 80th time, and thus the jubilee, our University inaugurates the academic year and offers students and PhD students of the Silesian University of Technology its infrastructure and engaged staff, as well as modern individual development programs - said the Rector.
- “ It is a great honour for me to lead our celebration today. Together with me, the 80th inauguration of the academic year at the Silesian University of Technology is attended by the Vice-Rectors of our University: Professor Anna Chrobok – Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, Professor Bożena Skołud – Vice-Rector for General Affairs, Professor Marcin Staniek – Vice-Rector for Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment, Professor Zbigniew Paszenda – Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Investment and Professor Sebastian Werle – Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, as well as well as the Deans, Directors and heads of Units – the Rector welcomed the guests.
Among the invited guests were also the Rectors of the friendly universities and the previous Rectors of the Silesian University of Technology, together with the Rector of the previous term, Prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk.
The inauguration was also attended by Professor Marek Gzik – Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Kinga Okrzesik-Faruga – General Director of the Ministry of Industry, MPs, senators, representatives of provincial and local authorities as well as representatives of business, scientific and research institutions, uniformed services, as well as churches of various denominations.
“It is with great joy and a sense of importance that I greet you at a special event of the University, which is the inauguration of the academic year. This unique celebration opens another period of our activity. In addition to building a sense of connection, it also raises great expectations and hopes, especially for first-year students and doctoral students who are debuting in their new role. Perhaps the word “debut” best reflects this year’s beginning of the academic year at our University. After all, even though I was Vice-Rector for Science and Development for 8 years, today I stand before you as a debutant in the role of Rector. Full of ideas, enthusiasm, and determination, but also humility toward the responsibility for the success of the mission, which we as a community have to fulfil in the coming months and years – said the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Marek Pawełczyk in his inaugural speech.
The Rector referred to the jubilee of the 80th anniversary of the University, thanking all those who during these years created the University.
“The Silesian University of Technology was established in May 1945 on the ruins of the world destroyed by the war fire, with dreams of freedom, autonomy of science and servitude to the needs of the inhabitants, region, and country. The commitment, dedication, and talents of successive generations of members of the academic community gave birth to a university that currently educates over fifteen thousand students, in nearly sixty fields of study and seven hundred doctoral students in twelve scientific disciplines. We have excellent staff and rich infrastructure that we will develop. Silesian University of Technology is today one of the most active universities in the country. Since 2020, as one of the ten winners of the competition, we have successfully implemented the largest strategic program in Polish higher education, which is the Research University Excellence Initiative. We make sure that it is accessible to everyone: our employees, doctoral students, and students. We will use this program to consistently strive for excellence and to approach the best universities in Europe and in the world” – emphasized the Rector.
The Rector reminded those gathered in the auditorium of the Education and Congress Centre that Poland, Europe, and the world are facing historical challenges today.
“We live in an era of rapid technological progress and rapid exchange of information. The world has become closer, more accessible, but global crises, climate change, natural disasters, dwindling resources of raw materials and the need to revise energy policy, as well as armed conflicts and threats in cyberspace, demand from us scientists not only attention, debates, but also proposals for solutions.”
Prof. Marek Pawełczyk pointed out that the role of the modern university is to restore the sense of security and create prospects for stable functioning against the background of changing reality. He stressed that the Silesian University of Technology has always been close to people and human affairs.
“As engineers, we are standing firmly on the ground, maintaining social sensitivity and being aware of responsibility for the consequences of actions taken and proposed technological solutions. We stand out from the background of universities focused on ad hoc business purposes. We follow the words of one of the most distinguished graduates of the Silesian University of Technology, prof Jerzy Buzek, who, when asked about the meaning of education, said: “As engineers, we are the demiurge of reality, but the technical university should increasingly humanize itself, because the technology we produce is also responsible today for the solution of a philosophical nature.” We will continue to consistently build a sense of value from the functioning of the technical and public academic university in Upper Silesia in society and in the economic environment. We will make every effort to ensure that the inhabitants of the region look proudly at the Silesian University of Technology.” – emphasized the Rector.
These words take on a special dimension in the Year of the European Science City Katowice 2024, when science is even closer to people.
The acquisition of this title by the capital of Upper Silesia together with seven public universities, including the Silesian University of Technology, is a great victory for Silesian universities and local government. However, above all, it is a unique opportunity for a permanent transformation of the region toward a safe and prosperous future for its inhabitants – noted Prof. Pawełczyk.
In his inaugural speech, the Rector also drew attention to the challenges facing the scientific community.
“After several years of functioning under the Law on Higher Education and Science, which caused significant changes in our functioning, we are again faced with the question of the necessity and depth of changes. We are waiting for an amendment, a revision of the principles of university evaluation, real support for internationalization processes. Universities gathered in the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland have no doubt that without a fundamental change in approach and treatment of expenditures on science not as a cost, but as an investment and a significant increase in their amount, our country will be used and relegated to the role of a cheap client. We appreciate the understanding of many of these problems by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the friendly dialog, although some of the proposed provisions in the content of the new act, as well as the actions of other ministries, are worrying us. We are counting on our appeals.” – said the Rector.
The Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Prof. Marek Gzik, who was present during the ceremony, also stressed that the new academic year for Polish science will be full of challenges.
“We are facing the reform of the Polish Academy of Sciences, as well as the amendment of the Law on Higher Education and Science. It is particularly important to strengthen the cooperation between science and business. On my initiative, a think-tank was established at the Ministry, whose task is to diagnose and recommend what could improve this cooperation. I hope that next year we will invite you to participate in the National Congress of Science and Business. Silesian University of Technology has excellent experience in this area and a lot to offer. This is important because we are in the midst of a profound economic transformation, especially in the energy sector and in our Silesia region. Therefore, only good cooperation between science and business can result in further, dynamic development of our country” - emphasized Prof. Mark Gzik.
During the inauguration ceremony, the presidents of Gliwice and Katowice also took the floor.
- “When I think about Gliwice, I think about this particular University. Gliwice and Silesian University of Technology is a system of connected vessels. The key to my recently started presidency is cooperation. Therefore, what is extremely important for me is the strengthening of cooperation with the Silesian University of Technology.” - said Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka, President of Gliwice.
- “In cooperation with universities, we try to work together for the development of our cities - added Dr Eng. Marcin Krupa, President of Katowice. Why do I talk so often about development? Because we need students, graduates, and then jobs for them. Prof. Jerzy Buzek often spoke about the so-called golden triangle of local government, universities, and business. It is their cooperation that gives opportunities for development” – emphasized the President of Katowice.
On behalf of the academic community, spoke the Rector of the AGH University of Science and Technology Prof. Jerzy Lis.
“Across Poland there is a great inauguration of the academic year, a festival of higher education and science on an unprecedented scale. Universities around the country celebrate their place in the society in this traditional way. These are tens of thousands of people who have gathered together and have the opportunity to think for a moment about the university, science, and its role. These are scientists, students, graduates, guests holding very high positions. The way in which we celebrate the start of the academic year is unique. I would argue that this is not the case in other countries. I will just remind you that it was created in 1936, when the rectors of public universities gathered at the Stefan Batory University and developed a Canon of inauguration. The first element was the Holy Mass, then the Rector’s speech on the current situation and the matriculation of students. And this tradition has passed to all universities,” said Prof. Jerzy Lis.
After the speeches of the invited guests, a ceremonial matriculation was held, which was conducted by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, Prof. Anna Chrobok
“Today's inauguration ceremony of the academic year is of particular importance for first-year students who start their studies at our University. Dear students - through the act of matriculation you have been symbolically accepted into the academic community of our University. I would like to wish you success in obtaining subsequent grades and passing exams, and success in gaining knowledge at our University. Use all the opportunities in the development of your personality and get satisfaction from participating in the student life of our University. Dear students, I wish you all the best” - said Prof. Anna Chrobok
During the ceremony, the Omnium Studiosorum Optimo Medals (the best of the graduates) were awarded. This medal, set by a resolution of the Senate of the Silesian University of Technology, is the highest distinction awarded to graduates of the Silesian University of Technology. It is awarded to graduates with exceptional academic performance and outstanding scientific achievements. These medals were awarded to:
Eng. Bartosz Bdzionek, graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering,
Msc. Eng. Lukasz Jakubski, graduate of the Faculty of Chemistry,
MSc Eng. Piotr Cichy, graduate of the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering,
Msc, Eng. Klaudia Cholewa, graduate of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering.
After giving awards, Dawid Mordarski, Chairman of the Student Self-Government of the Silesian University of Technology turned to his younger colleagues:
“I would like to address everyone who is starting their first year of study. You may be wondering what awaits you at the University and ask yourself: “Will I manage, was it a good choice and what if I fail?” You’ve probably heard it before, not to be afraid. And I will tell you, be afraid, and I will tell you why. Fear is natural for any person taking on new challenges, so if you feel a little stressed, it’s good because it means that you are undertaking something different than before and have new goals ahead of you. It is important that this fear does not paralyze you and prevent you from acting, but that it acts as a motivator. That is why I want to tell you to “not be afraid to be afraid,” because what today is a reason for fear and anxiety, in a few weeks will be a pleasant everyday life. It is important that you plan your next step now and think about what you can start doing new at the University” - said Dawid Mordarski.
During the ceremony, the award of the Social Council of the Silesian University of Technology and the Medal of the Association of students of the Silesian University of Technology “Outstanding graduate of the Silesian University of Technology” were presented.
“The award of the Social Council is a distinction, which in its assumption is to be an expression of recognition for special didactic achievements, interdisciplinary activities, popularizing professionalism and raising the prestige of the university” - said the Vice-Rector for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Staniek, Prof. of Silesian University of Technology
Awards of the Social Council were presented by Prof. Janusz Kotowicz – Vice-Rector for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment in 2016-2024 and Dr Jan Sarna, Director General of the Foundation for the Development of Cardiac Surgery and Vice-President of the Social Council.
“For the fourth time we have the pleasure to present the statuette of the Social Council of the Silesian University of Technology to the winners. The criteria for awarding the award are not only related to strictly scientific activity and achievements. The Social Council promotes positive social attitudes, development of cooperation between business and university, crossing barriers of scientific disciplines, didactic achievements, involvement in development, as well as mobility and internationalization of the university” - said Prof. Janusz Kotowicz.
The prize is awarded in the following categories: Employees and Student.
In the Student category it was awarded to Mateusz Pawlik from the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation for the victory in the XVIII Mining Knowledge Tournament, while in the employees category the team composed of: Dr Hab. Eng. Sebastian Student, Prof. SUT, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Ilona Wandzik, Dr Hab. Eng. Ziemowit Ostrowski, Prof. SUT, Dr Eng. Małgorzata Milewska, Dr Eng. Kazimierz Gut and Dr Eng. Maria Gracka. The statuette was awarded for creating a “Microsystem for cell steroid culture” in hydrogels. This solution allows to imitate processes taking place in the human body and use them, for example, to test drugs for cancer.
Then medals of the Association of Alumni of the Silesian University of Technology. were presented. “Outstanding Graduate of the Silesian University of Technology.”
“A large group of graduates of the Silesian University of Technology has achieved success in industry, science, local and state administration, at home and abroad. They are all our representatives and our pride. The Association of Alumni of the Silesian University of Technology, in order to honour them, established the title of outstanding Graduate of Silesian University of Technology. Today, for the third time, this title will be awarded” – said the Vice-Rector for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Staniek, Prof. of Silesian University of Technology
Medals received:
- Dr Eng. Andrzej Porszke, a graduate of the Faculty of Mining and Geology from 1999. He started his professional career at the Laboratory of Civil Engineering LABOTEST, and in 2013 he founded AP Geotechnika, which he successfully develops. He also conducts scientific activity – he is the author of over 160 research works, three patents and a dozen scientific publications.
- Eng. Jan Kurp, who graduated in the field of machinery and energy equipment in 1973. He was the President of the Management Board of Elektrownia Jaworzno III S.A., and then the President of the Management Board of the Southern Power concern S.A. He actively participated in the restructuring and consolidation of the energy sector.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Tomasz Gębka – General Director of Stellantis Tychy, a graduate of the Silesian University of Technology. The director told the audience about his professional path and gave many valuable advice to the students gathered for the ceremony on how to achieve success and what is important in life.
“Studies are a time of incredible development. And although there is no golden recipe, first of all, it cannot be wasted. Of course, there is time for parties and all other pleasures, but you need to use the period of study in such a way that in the future it will bring you as many benefits as possible. You have to gain experience, not sit at home, not sit in a dorm, but experience life and explore it. It’s a way to discover your hidden talents. Until we try something new, we will not know whether we are talented in this or that field,” said Tomasz Gębka.
The ceremonial, jubilee inauguration of the Academic Year 2024/2025 ended with the performance of the Academic Choir of the Silesian University of Technology under the direction of Mr. Tomasz Giedwiłło.
