The 2026/2027 academic year has begun at the WSG University.This year’s opening ceremony was the 28th in the university’s history. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the University of Economy’s management, staff, students, student union representatives and invited guests.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the matriculation of the first-year students. This year, they represented, amongst others, psychology, physiotherapy, tourism and recreation, computer science, management, physical education and mechatronics. The new students include people from Poland and other countries, which clearly demonstrates the international character of our academic community. Following the oath, the students were officially welcomed into the WSG community.
The inauguration also provided an opportunity to recognise those who have recently been particularly involved in the life of the university. The St Hedwig the Queen Medal was awarded to Prof. Ryszard Maciołek, PhD Eng., WSG Vice-Rector for Research and Academic Cooperation. The honour was bestowed in recognition of his many years of academic, organisational and community work.
Students also received their awards. The St Hedwig the Queen Laurels for achievements in sport and physical education were awarded to Katarzyna Ferenz, Dariusz Paczkowski and Kacper Paziewski. Krystian Rybicki was recognised for his community involvement and creativity. Additional awards were presented to Nikodem Prządka and Wojciech Rampalski.
The speeches by the invited guests were also an important part of the meeting. Speeches were given by Piotr Król, Member of the Sejm; Piotr Kozłowski, Bydgoszcz County Administrator; Elżbieta Rusielewicz, Deputy Chair of the City Council; and Artem Taranenko, Chair of the WSG Student Union. The university community also received messages of goodwill from WSG’s international partners.
To conclude the official part of the event, Prof. Janusz Kowalewski, MD, PhD, Director of the Franciszek Łukaszczyk Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz, delivered the inaugural lecture entitled ‘Ludwik Rydygier – the legacy and relevance of his work for modern medicine’. He spoke about the achievements of this outstanding Polish surgeon and what his work can teach future generations of doctors and scientists today.
After the official part, it was time for a chat and a get-together over refreshments. For some, it marked a return to university after the summer break; for others, it was the first day of a new chapter. And so began the 2026/2027 academic year at the WSG University.
Photographs taken by Kacper Buńskowki
