12 May marks the 660th anniversary of the foundation of the oldest Polish higher education institution – the Jagiellonian University – by King Casimir the Great. The date is known as the Jagiellonian University Day. This year, the celebrations will begin a bit earlier, at 9.00 a.m. on 10 May in the Wawel Cathedral, where wreaths and flowers will be laid on the graves of the founders of our University - King Casimir the Great, Queen Jadwiga and King Vladislaus Jagiełło.
On 12 May 1364, after many years of attempting to obtain the consent of Pope Urban V, King Casimir the Great issued a foundation act for the Studium Generale in Kraków. In those days, it comprised three faculties: of liberal arts, medicine and maw. The fourth faculty, one devoted to theology, was established in 1400, after the University’s revival by King Vladislaus Jagiełło, in accordance with the will left by Queen Jadwiga.
On 10 May, in the Wawel Cathedral, the Jagiellonian University authorities will pay homage on behalf of the entire Jagiellonian University community to the monarchs who, centuries ago, decided to found the first higher education institution in Poland. Their courage and vision resulted in creating the oldest secular institution to operate in our country.
Afterwards, at 10.30 a.m., a plaque commemorating Professor Franciszek Ziejka, Rector of the Jagiellonian University from 1999 to 2005, will be unveiled in the JU Auditorium Maximum at ul. Krupnicza 33. Admission is free.
The event will culminate with a special session of the Jagiellonian University Senate (hosted at 12.00 noon in Collegium Novum Assembly Hall – invitations only), during which the gold Plus Ratio Quam Vis medal will be awarded to Professor Adam Strzembosz.
In the evening, at 7:00 p.m., an open-air show will be held in the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden to celebrate the Jagiellonian University Day, featuring a performance by the JU Song and Dance Ensemble ‘Słowianki’. Attending the concert is possible after filling in the required form and receiving confirmation of registration by e-mail. Please show the confirmation at the entrance to the Botanical Garden.
Link to the form: https://forms.office.com/e/FksqSz7SgQ