Ladies and Gentleman,
When we inaugurated the 2019/2020 academic year in October, we were convinced that after introducing the provisions of the new law, a peaceful time would be ahead of us, full of formal scientific and artistic events commemorating University of Gdańsk 50th Anniversary. Today, at the end of the academic year, we know it turned out to be a tremendous challenge for all of us. The need for classes to be held online, impediments to conducting research, remote meetings of scientific bodies – all that required extra effort, commitment and time, often at the expense of family and friends.
I would like to thank You for this great commitment, for support given to students, for mutual cooperation and all great initiatives to the benefit of our University. I would also like to thank for the great attitude of our entire academic community, for your support in remote teaching and help to people in need, special thanks to our partners and community of the whole region. Time of pandemic is a very difficult test that we have to take constantly, your attitude has been truly praiseworthy throughout the whole time.
Once again the academic community of the University of Gdańsk put their trust in me, electing me for another term in the office. It is a huge honor but also a huge responsibility. I will continue my Rector’s mission and raise up to the new, difficult challenges. The sustainable development of our University in terms of conducting research, teaching and investments, together with the responsibility for the future of our community and the whole region are the priorities of the new term.
This beautiful time of our Alma Mater’s Anniversary has been unexpectedly interrupted, we managed however to publish couple important books with your valuable contribution, also many meetings and concerts took place. The anniversary celebrations have been postponed to March 2021 and I hope it would be a peaceful and festive time. Today, let me already invite You to the celebrations, hopefully without any overwhelming concerns.
I also hope that the coming summer holiday period brings You rest and helps you regroup before the new academic year. I hope that all of us, healthy and energized, meet during the 2020/2021 official inauguration.
Rector of the University of Gdańsk
dr hab. Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała, prof. UG
Translation: Adam Myzyk