On Monday, October 7, 2025, a ceremonial inauguration of the 2025/2026 academic year took place in the Aula Maior. The event was attended by representatives of state and local authorities, invited guests, lecturers, alumni, and students.
The ceremony was opened by WSG President Prof. hon. Krzysztof Sikora, who welcomed the gathered guests. Then, WSG Rector Prof. Dr. Marek Chamot took the floor, presenting the university's development directions and plans for the upcoming academic year. In his speech, the Rector emphasized that the WSG University maintained its leading position in practical education and cooperation with the economic environment. In the 2025/2026 academic year, the university launched – in cooperation with the National Centre for Research and Development – a pilot program of short-cycle studies dedicated to the renewable energy, automotive, and artificial intelligence sectors. In the upcoming academic year, WSG educated over 7,600 students and participants, including 1,400 international students, in 36 active first- and second-cycle study programs as well as uniform master's studies. The most popular fields among applicants were engineering programs such as Computer Science and Creative Industries, as well as Psychology, Nursing, and Emergency Medical Services. In response to the growing number of international students, the university also introduced programs conducted in Ukrainian – this year these included: Computer Science, Creative Industries, Psychology, and Management.
Traditionally, the central point of the ceremony was the matriculation of first-year students, led by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Prof. WSG Dr. Magdalena Bergmann. On behalf of the entire academic community, the newly admitted students took the oath, becoming full-fledged members of the WSG community.
During the inauguration, distinctions and decorations were also awarded to individuals particularly deserving of the development of the university and the region. WSG Rector Prof. Dr. Marek Chamot honored with the Medal of St. Jadwiga the Queen, the university's highest distinction: Małgorzata Kufel – for outstanding commitment to the development of medical staff education and promotion of the role of nurses in the healthcare system, Marek Magdziarz – for long-standing social activity and support of academic and cultural initiatives in Bydgoszcz.
Sports and student awards were also granted. For outstanding sports achievements, among others, Kinga Paradowska, Bartłomiej Sopoński, and Tomasz Lewicki – multiple Polish Championship medalists and national representatives at international competitions – were honored. For contributions to the academic community, the following were awarded: Daria Shuvaieva, Tomasz Rampalski, Golden Katala, and Mateusz Tylicki.
In the official part, speeches were also delivered by invited guests, including Senator of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Kobiak, Deputy Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Zbigniew Ostrowski, Deputy Chairman of the Bydgoszcz City Council Lech Zagłoba-Zygler, Starost of Bydgoszcz County Piotr Kozłowski, and Student Government President Maksym Dobryn.
The culmination of the ceremony was the inaugural lecture by Prof. Włodzisław Duch, a distinguished scientist, neurocognitivist, and science popularizer, who delivered a lecture on contemporary challenges in the development of artificial intelligence and academic education.
photo: Kacper Buńkowski WSG
