During the 55 years of its existence, the University of Gdańsk has become an integral part of Tricity. The university campuses have grown into its landscape, the largest of which is the Oliwa Campus. To commemorate the anniversary and honour the memory of prof. Maria Janion, who laid the foundations of humanities in Gdańsk, the University Senate applied for a section of Bażyńskiego Street running along the Campus, which is exclusively occupied by university premises and buildings, to be renamed prof. Maria Janion Street.

In September 2024, Krystyna Chwin, Stefan Chwin, Anna Czekanowicz, Małgorzata Książek-Czermińska and Stanisław Rosiek submitted a letter to the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, justifying the request for action as follows: ‘We have the honour of considering ourselves students of the Professor, whose lectures at the University of Gdańsk not only significantly influenced the academic community of the then young university, but above all the development of the humanities in Gdańsk. We believe that, as an academic and municipal community, we will thus pay due tribute to this outstanding scientist, mentor to many generations, and Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Gdańsk. In addition, we will permanently inscribe the figure of the Professor on the map of our city of Gdańsk, preserving her name in the topographical memory of future generations of residents as well.’

- We have submitted an appropriate application to the City Council. We are counting on the neighbourly kindness and support of the residents and councillors of Oliwa, to whom the application has been sent, says the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. Piotr Stepnowski. ‘We have been part of this district for 55 years. Many of our employees live here, as do their children and students. Our Oliwa neighbours use the university's Ecopark, and many Oliwa residents also participate in the University of the Third Age classes held at our university campus.

The fact that the university integrates with the residents is also evidenced by the participation of the University of Gdańsk in the Viva Oliva district festival. The academic community also willingly participates in events organised at the Oliwa Town Hall of Culture (Oliwski Ratusz Kultury).

It is also worth mentioning that part of the land for the Oliwa Campus was donated to the University by the governor Maciej Płażyński, who was a graduate of the University of Gdańsk and always supported the development of his Alma Mater. The University honoured the politician's memory by naming the park on the Campus after him.

For a university that cares about the identity of places conducting historical and social research, the past and historical memory are as important as the surroundings and neighbourhood. ‘Therefore, out of respect for the memory of Jan Bażyński, Castellan of Elbląg, Governor of Prussia and co-organiser of the anti-Teutonic opposition, we have asked to rename only a part of this rather long street,’ adds the Rector.

Jana Bażyńskiego Street separates the university buildings: the Oliwa campus is on one side of the street, the former Rector's Office is on the other, and behind it, a Sports Centre is being built which, if possible, will also be available to residents of the district and the city.

All buildings along the section of Bażyńskiego Street that has been proposed to be named after prof. Maria Janion - from Wita Stwosza to Grunwaldzka - belong to the University of Gdańsk. The McDonald's restaurant is also located on the university's premises. This means that the change of address will only affect the university!

‘I hope that the district councillors and councillors of Gdańsk will join us in commemorating 55 years of the university, which is a living part of the city and Oliwa, and will kindly accept our proposal to name a part of the street after the outstanding Polish linguist and scientist prof. Maria Janion,’ adds prof. Piotr Stepnowski.

If the proposed change goes ahead, the university will ensure that the residents of Gdańsk and the region are also reminded of Jan Bażyński as part of a promotional campaign.