"We're bursting in pride to live and work in free, independent and democratic Poland . . . The University was, is and will be apolitical, diverse, open and unfettered," said Prof. Wojciech Nowak, JU Rector, in his opening speech marking the beginning of the 652nd academic year at the Jagiellonian University. The ceremony, traditionally organised in Auditorium Maximum, was attended by the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
The celebrations started with a mass at the St. Anne's Collegiate Church. After that, an academic procession marched from Collegium Maius, the oldest university building, to Auditorium Maximum, where the main part of the opening ceremony was held. On their way, the participants stopped to lay flowers beneath the Oak of Liberty.
In his opening address, Prof. Wojciech Nowak welcomed representatives of national and local government, academic community, artists, professions of public trust, clergy and students. He mentioned recent developments and investments, such as new faculty seats at the 3rd Campus and the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre Solaris. He talked about future plans and challenges the university will face, and expressed his belief in overcoming them.
President Andrzej Duda said he felt honoured to be able to participate in the opening ceremony of the oldest Polish university. He stressed the importance of the academic community for its prosperity and confessed that as a JU graduate, he always felt a part of it.
During the most important part of the celebrations – the matriculation – Prof. Andrzej Mania, JU Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, congratulated new students on choosing the Jagiellonian University and assured them that it is a mainstay of knowledge and tradition, and that its rich study offer will allow them to unlock their potential.
The ceremony also featured awarding the Jagiellonian Laurel to scholars who greatly contributed to the Jagiellonian University. This year, they were given to three distinguished researchers: Prof. Barbara Bilińska (Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences), Prof. Anetta Undas (Faculty of Medicine), and Prof. Ryszard Nycz (Faculty of Polish Studies).
