The formal sitting of the Senate of the University of Lodz began with a ceremonial handover of the Rector's insignia. Prof. Elżbieta Żądzińska, Rector for the term 2020-2024, presented the insignia to Prof. Rafał Matera, Rector of the University of Lodz. She also conveyed her best wishes to the Rector’s Board and the entire academic community.
By accepting the insignia, Prof. Rafał Matera has committed himself, together with the Rector's Board, to working for the University of Lodz, to putting into practice the values of courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect, and to taking care of the entire community of our university. He thanked the previous Rector's Board for the work they had done.
Then the Rector of the University of Lodz began his speech, which, although it may have sounded a bit pessimistic at the beginning, gave hope at the end.
So, how do we create a bright academy that is a welcoming place to work and learn without being a detached ‘ivory tower’ from the world and society? Should we give up our efforts to publish our research results in the best journals and publishing houses? Should we give up on preparing undergraduates and postgraduates to enter the labour market successfully? Should we give up on cooperation with institutions and business? NO, THAT'S NOT THE POINT!
– said Prof. Rafał Matera.
Speech by the Rector of the University of Lodz (in Polish)
Presentation of decorations and medals
The awards ceremony began with honouring people working at the University of Lodz with state decorations. Gold, silver and bronze Medals for Long Service are awarded for exemplary, exceptionally conscientious performance of duties resulting from professional work. The medals were presented by the Voivode of Lodz, Dorota Ryl, accompanied by the Rector of the University of Lodz, Prof. Rafał Matera.
Next, Medals of the Commission of National Education were presented to academic teachers for special merits for education and upbringing, in particular in the field of teaching, educational and care activities, creativity for children and youth, and education and improvement of teachers, as well as the “University of Lodz in Service for the Society and Science” Medals and Golden Badges of the University of Lodz.
Lists of people honoured with individual awards:
- Medals for Long Service
- Medals of the Commission of National Education
- University of Lodz in Service for the Society and Science Medals
- Golden Badges of the University of Lodz
Rector of the University of Lodz presented the "Universitatis Lodziensis Amico" (Friend of the University of Lodz) Medals to people who made special contributions to our university. This medal was established on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the university and is awarded to people or institutions who made special contributions to the University of Lodz and are closely associated with our university, whose long-term cooperation with our scientists results in joint publications, conferences or lectures.
The "Universitatis Lodziensis Amico” Medals were awarded to:
- Profesor Ivan Biliarsky
- Profesor Susana Reboreda Morillo
- Profesor Anna Maria Totomanova
- Profesor Mariyana Tsibranska-Kostova
The formal sitting of the Senate of the University of Lodz on the occasion of national Education Day ended with the performance of Gaude Mater Polonia by the University of Lodz Academic Choir.
Photo report of the event will be published soon.
Edit: Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz