Every year on October 14, Poland celebrates the National Education Day - a special occasion to honor teachers, academics, and all those who contribute to education. It is a day of gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the work and dedication of educators at every level. At the University of Economics in Katowice, this day holds a special place in our academic calendar as we celebrate the achievements, commitment, and passion of our university staff.
Celebration at the University of Economics in Katowice
On October 14, 2025, the University of Economics in Katowice celebrated the National Education Day - an important occasion for the entire academic community. During the official ceremony, state decorations were presented, including Medals for Long Service and the Medal of the National Education Commission, as well as Rector’s Awards. Academic and administrative staff were recognized for their engagement and contributions to the University’s development. The event was beautifully complemented by a performance of the University Choir, which added a special atmosphere to the celebration.
Speech by the Rector
The ceremony began with a welcoming speech by Her Magnificence the Rector, prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak, who warmly greeted the audience gathered in Auditorium A and emphasized:
"We are entering the new academic year under the motto ‘More than knowledge. The University as a community of responsibility.’ This is not only a motto but also a commitment - a commitment to ourselves, to others, to the future, and to our country.
The National Education Day is not only a time for memories and thanks; it is also a day of reflection on the future - on whether the decisions we make today will allow us to build a strong, innovative, and wise Poland of tomorrow.
Science is not an ornament of the state or an addition to its development - it is its engine. Without science, there is no innovation, no progress, and no sovereignty. We cannot build a modern economy based on low spending on research and higher education. Investing in science is not a luxury - it is an obligation toward the future.
The university must be a place of inspiration and debate about the meaning and direction of the world. Where there is no discussion, there can be no progress.”
Presentation of State Decorations
The ceremony continued with the presentation of state decorations:
16 Medals for Long Service (gold, silver, and bronze) and the Medal of the National Education Commission. The awardees were introduced by Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with External Environment dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, while the medals were officially presented by Deputy Silesian Voivode Michał Kopański and HM the Rector Celina M. Olszak.
Rector’s Awards and Distinctions
A key part of the National Education Day celebration was the presentation of Rector’s Awards and Distinctions for academic and administrative staff.
HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak also expressed her sincere thanks to her close collaborators:
Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak, Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Relations prof. dr hab. Wojciech Dyduch, Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with External Environment dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, as well as Chancellor Paweł Kadłubiak and Chief Accountant Joanna Radziwołek.
The list of award-winning academic teachers was read by dr hab. Robert Wolny, prof. UE, and the diplomas were handed out by HM the Rector, Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak and Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Relations prof. dr hab. Wojciech Dyduch.
Administrative staff members were also recognized with Rector’s Awards of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree. The certificates were presented by HM the Rector and Chancellor Paweł Kadłubiak.
Speech by the Chair of the Student Parliament
In the final part of the ceremony, Oliwia Chwist, Chair of the Student Parliament, addressed the audience with words of gratitude:
"National Education Day is a special moment in the academic year - a time of reflection, gratitude, and appreciation for everyone who co-creates our university community. It is a day when we pause to say thank you for the effort, passion, and dedication of all those who inspire us every day to grow and seek knowledge. On behalf of the entire student community, I extend my warmest wishes to all academic teachers, researchers, and administrative staff."
Chancellor Paweł Kadłubiak also offered his words of thanks on behalf of the administrative staff:
"Working with wise people is a great pleasure; working with kind people takes that pleasure to an entirely new level. I wish us all kindness and a fruitful, healthy, and safe new academic year."
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic gesture of gratitude to all academic teachers, presented to HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak on behalf of the entire university community.
