The inauguration of the academic year is not only a symbolic start of classes, but above all a moment when new students are officially accepted into the university community by taking a ceremonial oath. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the role of science and knowledge in the modern world, as well as a moment to consider previous plans and set new goals. The academic year 2024/2025 at the University of Szczecin was inaugurated on September 30 during a ceremony in the auditorium on Krakowska Street, which began the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the University.
At the invitation of the Rector and Senate of the University of Szczecin, the ceremony was attended by, among others: Dariusz Wieczorek – Minister of Science, prof. dr hab. Hubert Bronk – Rector Senior of the University of Szczecin, dr hab. Leszek Balcerowicz – Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Szczecin, as well as representatives of state and local government authorities and rectors of West Pomeranian universities. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of senators, members of parliament, representatives of the clergy, education, culture and sports, as well as diplomatic and uniformed services, as well as legal self-governments.
Prof. dr hab. Waldemar Tarczyński, Rector of the University of Szczecin, in his inaugural speech spoke about the University’s anniversary, the development of the University of Szczecin over the years and the key role in the development of the West Pomerania region. He also presented the plans for the coming year and drew attention to the recruitment and evaluation success of the University of Szczecin.
The ceremonial matriculation, led by dr hab. Katarzyna Kotarska, prof. US, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, was attended by those who achieved the best results in the recruitment procedure in the individual fields of study. Matriculation is a significant event in the academic tradition, it is an act of joining the University community.
“Dear students, dear doctoral students, the University of Szczecin is an open, diverse and student-minded university. We will provide you with excellent scientific, didactic and personal development. You will gain knowledge and new competences here. I am sure that this will be one of the most beautiful periods in your lives,” said dr hab. Katarzyna Kotarska, prof. US, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs.
Future PhD students of the US Doctoral School also took an oath, solemnly swearing, among other things, to tirelessly strive for truth and conscientiously acquire knowledge in order to serve people and the Homeland well. Afterwards, Karolina Majchrzak – chairwoman of the Student Government and Anna Rzepiela-Podlecka – chairwoman of the University Council of the PhD Student Government addressed students and PhD students. Then, the inaugural lecture entitled “Colors in the economy – an epistemological approach” was delivered by dr hab. Jarosław Korpysa, prof. US – Director of the Doctoral School of the University of Szczecin. After the lecture, the song Gaude Mater Polonia was sung.
