On Friday, September 29, for the second time, representatives of the seven public universities that make up the Academic Consortium Katowice - City of Science jointly inaugurated the new academic year. The name of the event refers to the announcement by the Sejmik of the Silesian Voivodeship of the year 2023 as the Year of Science in the Silesian Voivodeship. The ceremony is also part of the celebrations related to the granting of the title of European City of Science 2024 to Katowice
– This year's second Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year is special for me as Rector of the Silesian Medical University. We have just celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of our University.Today, one of the largest medical universities in Poland, which carries out ambitious plans and continues to develop.One example is the launch, starting this academic year, of a branch of the Faculty of Medicine in Bielsko-Biała, where we will educate medical students. This is another measure to, among other things, increase the number of doctors and stop the emigration of medical forces," said Professor Tomasz Szczepański, MD, Rector of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, who also added during the event: – Our University has great scientific and clinical potential. We are working effectively to introduce good solutions both in terms of organization and teaching.Our priority task is to dramatically improve access to health care and modern treatment. I am not isolated in my conviction that within the framework of the activities of the Academic Consortium of seven Silesian Public Universities, a scientific transformation is possible this time, in which science, and in the case of my University also medicine, will be the so-called new industry of Silesia.I have no doubt that the awarding of the title of European City of Science to Katowice is a turning point that will determine the paths of development of the Region for years to come, and together we will seize this opportunity.
Rector's procession
The ceremony began with a march of rector's processions from under the Silesian Theater to the building of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice. To the sounds of the Wujek Coal Mine Orchestra, its participants marched successively along Korfantego Avenue, Roździeńskiego Avenue and Olimpijska Street. The ceremonial entrance of the procession to the NOSPR concert hall took place to the sound of the song "Gaudeamus Igitur" performed by academic choirs.
Celebration
After the singing of the National Anthem, the assembled guests were welcomed and the universities forming the Academic Consortium - Katowice City of Science were introduced.Marcin Krupa, Mayor of the City of Katowice; Jakub Chełstowski, Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship; and Kazimierz Karolczak, Chairman of the Board of the Upper Silesian and Zagłębie Metropolis spoke.Next on the stage were the rectors of the universities.In the later part of the event, the JM Rector of SUM, Prof. Tomasz Szczepański, performed a symbolic act of matriculation of newly admitted students and doctoral students of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice. After taking the oath, the academic choirs solemnly sang "Gaude Mater Polonia."
The first inaugural lecture of the 2023/2024 academic year entitled."Andante moderato.Melancholy of the Academy,"
prepared especially for the occasion, was delivered by Prof. Tadeusz Slawek, PhD.
The ceremony was highlighted by a magnificent musical setting of the academic choirs:
• Choir of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice under the direction of Marta Zielińska,
• Choir of the University of Silesia "Harmonia" under the direction of Prof. Joanna Glenc,
• Academic Choir of the Silesian University of Technology under the direction of Tomasz Giedwiłło,
• Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice under the direction of Michal Brozek,
• Silent Choir of the University of Silesia under the direction of Dr. Anna Wojtas-Rduch.
The event culminated with a concert by the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice.
The event was held under the honorary patronage of:
• Minister of Education and Science,
• Minister of Culture and National Heritage,
• Minister of Sports and Tourism,
• Minister of Health.
Partner of the event was the Foundation for the Development of the Education System National Agency for the Erasmus+ Program and the European Solidarity Corps. In turn, the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra was the institutional partner.
Photo authors:
Olga Krzyżyk and Grzegorz Bargieła, portal WKATOWICACH.eu
Matylda Klos, University of Silesia in Katowice
