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PL
EN
PL
19.10.2022
The day of October 18, 2022, will be remembered in the history of Płock and the entire Mazovia for many years.
Guests, Speeches, and Honors
The culmination of the University’s long-standing efforts to obtain the status of an Academy, launch a psychology program, gain approval for a medical program, achieve a B+ scientific category, and plans for the future were the main topics of the inaugurating ceremony of the 2022/2023 academic year at the Mazovian Academy in Płock.
This exceptional event gathered distinguished guests who played a significant role in the creation of the Academy:
Among the guests, there were also:
As well as rectors and vice-rectors from other Polish universities.
The ceremony began with the screening of a video showcasing the transformation of the University, followed by the unveiling of the University’s flag and the entrance of the Senate of the Mazovian Academy in Płock.
The Rector, Prof. Dr. hab. n. med. Maciej Słodki, delivered the inaugural speech, beginning with the university’s history, from its transformation from a State Higher Vocational School to a Public University in Mazovia, and ultimately to the Mazovian Academy in Płock.
„We have all been waiting for this moment for a long time. In 2019, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the State Higher Vocational School and changed the name to the Public University in Mazovia. We did not expect to change that name so quickly. But this time, not only the name changed, but also the university’s status, giving it new opportunities,” said Rector Prof. Maciej Słodki.
He emphasized the Mazovian character of Płock and how everything in Płock is connected to Mazovia, from dukes, castles, refineries to the Academy itself.
Opening a psychology program this year, receiving approval to launch a medical program, achievements of the teaching and research staff, and a growing number of students, despite demographic challenges, were just part of the successes Rector Maciej Słodki proudly presented. He also mentioned that the first visions of an academic, even university, Płock date back 100 years and have been revisited in scholarly debates. Rector returned to the situation from a few years ago when he presented a slide titled „Mazovian Academy in Płock” during a session of the Płock City Council in 2016. He did not anticipate that his dreams would become a reality in just a few years. Furthermore, there is another vision, the University of Mazovia in Płock.
After the loud applause, it was time for speeches from the invited guests.
The first to speak was Elżbieta Witek, Marshal of the Sejm.
„I know how important this day is, not only for the Academy but for the entire city of Płock. I know how much work, effort, especially intellectual, but not only, had to be invested to transform this school into an academy. It’s not that simple because very high requirements had to be met,” she emphasized.
She also mentioned that with the adoption of the law establishing the Mazovian Academy, all divisions became irrelevant. Marshal Elżbieta Witek also addressed the students, wishing them a successful academic year and delivered a profound message:
„Respect your professors, your lecturers because they possess not only experience, a factual and educational foundation, but most importantly, they have life experience, and you should learn from that experience. They are your masters.”
Next, Prof. Przemysław Czarnek, Minister of Education and Science, spoke and handed over the statute of the Mazovian Academy in Płock and the appointment of the University’s rector to Prof. Maciej Słodki.
„The fact that an academic university was established in Płock, and Płock became an academic city, is primarily thanks to you. You have achieved remarkable scientific results, and you deserved the excellent evaluative scores that allowed us to make legislative decisions later,” said Minister Przemysław Czarnek. In his speech, he also emphasized the significant historical importance of Płock for the future of our country.
Piotr Zgorzelski, Deputy Marshal of the Sejm, noted that the draft law was processed in a consensus that it was something important.
The Mayor of the City of Płock, Andrzej Nowakowski, honored Prof. Maciej Słodki with the LaudeProbus (Worthy of Praise) medal for his long-time leadership of the University and effective development initiatives.
Immatriculation and Awards
The next part included the oath-taking by new students and their introduction into the academic community. After the solemn matriculation, awards were presented for the best theses from the previous academic year. The President of the City of Płock also presented „Diplomas for Płock.” Traditional distinctions were given to students actively involved in the student council, and the Chairman of the Student Council, Przemysław Wolski, encouraged first-year students to participate in university initiatives.
Inaugural Lecture
The inaugural lecture, titled „Dollar or Euro: The Money of the Future?” was delivered by Prof. Dr. hab. Alojzy Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw. Professor provided a precise definition of money, highlighted alternatives to the dollar and euro, such as the yen or the Swiss franc. He emphasized that the „black swans” of recent years, including the COVID pandemic and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, have made the current economic situation unpredictable, and it is challenging to determine which currency will be the money of the future.
After the inauguration, Rector Prof. Maciej Słodki invited all the guests to a reception, during which a toast was raised to the success of the Mazovian Academy in Płock.
The partners of the inauguration were:
Cameleon
Santander Universidades
Vivat Academia, vivant professores!
