'For the second time, we are celebrating the inauguration of the academic year together with the UG Faculty of Philology. On this magical day, let us remember the words of Albert Einstein: "The pursuit of knowledge is one of man's most beautiful aspirations". May our pursuit of knowledge and our passion for learning guide us through the years of education, opening doors to the unknown and unlocking the mysteries of the world. Together, we are capable of achieving great things,' said the Dean of the Faculty of History, dr hab. Arkadiusz Janicki, prof. UG.

The ceremonial inauguration of the academic year 2023/2024 at the Faculty of Philology and the Faculty of History UG took place on October 2 this year in auditorium 1.43 of the building at 55 Wita Stwosza Street in Gdańsk-Oliwa.

The event began with the National Anthem performed by the ‘Jantar’ Ensemble, and the assembled guests were welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of History, prof. Arkadiusz Janicki. 

The floor was then taken by the Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development, dr hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, prof. UG.

'We have no doubt today that it is the humanities that help us interpret the past, deal with the present and plan for the future. It is history, art, literature, music, theatre, and film that are the multidimensional educational tools that open the door to such skills as observation, reflection, imagination and the search for solutions,' said prof. Sylwia Mrozowska. ‘I wish you - the students and researchers gathered here - much success and reasons to be happy in the new academic year.’

Further speeches were made by the Dean of the Faculty of History, prof. Arkadiusz Janicki, and the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, dr hab. Urszula Patocka-Sigłowy, prof. UG.

‘Just three days ago, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the separation of the Faculty of History from the Faculty of Philology-History. And today, for the second time, we can celebrate the inauguration of a new academic year together with the Faculty of Philology UG. For me, this proves that the decision to split was not a divorce but a departure from the family home after having achieved the necessary research and teaching potential to function independently. We can still work together, which is evident in the academic field,’ said the Dean of the Faculty of History.

'Today is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on what we have achieved so far, where we are on the road to development and self-improvement. On our journey together, we have been accompanied by sunshine and calm water, but we have also had to contend with storms and high waves,’ said prof. Urszula Patocka-Sigłowy. ‘Dear students, I am glad you decided to start your studies at UG. The coming years will be an unforgettable intellectual adventure for you and an opportunity to find answers to many questions. UG is a special place; it is all about responsibility, respect and attentiveness towards one another. We will do everything to make you feel at home with us.’

The ceremony continued with the matriculation of students, the ‘Gaudeamus igitur’, and the awarding of habilitation diplomas. There were also promotions for doctors of the humanities, the presentation of the Rector's Awards of the University of Gdańsk, and the presentation of prof. dr hab. Mariusz Ziółkowski's appointment to the Professor Maria Janion Named Chair of Honour.

Finally, prof. Mariusz Ziółkowski delivered the inaugural lecture entitled 'Far and Near: The New World and its inhabitants from a Polish perspective, 16th-19th century'.

The named chair is an initiative of the UG Rector, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski. It honours the most outstanding scholars and scientists at the University of Gdańsk who pass on their talent and knowledge to our academic community during the academic year. This year, the Prof. Maria Janion Chair was assumed by the Polish archaeologist prof. Mariusz Ziółkowski, Professor of Humanities, Head of the Centre for Pre-Columbian Studies, Director of the Centre for Andean Studies at the UW and Associate Professor at the Catholic University of Santa Maria Arequipa in Peru.