32nd Inauguration of the 2026/2027 Academic Year at WSB University

The ceremonial matriculation of new students and doctoral students, a large gathering of representatives of academia, public administration, local government, business and social institutions, the presentation of the Educator 2026 Title, and an inaugural lecture devoted to security – this is how WSB University began the 2026/2027 academic year.

On 2 October 2026, the 32nd Inauguration of the Academic Year took place in the Auditorium Maximum of WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza. It is one of the most important and ceremonial events in the life of the academic community – a moment when tradition meets the future, experience meets youth, and the achievements of previous years become the foundation for further ideas, discoveries and challenges.

A university open to knowledge, the world and people

The ceremony itself, held on University premises, began in accordance with academic ceremonial protocol – with the entrance of the University Senate, a performance of “Gaudeamus Igitur”, the entrance of the University banner, and the singing of the national anthem.

The guests were welcomed by Her Magnificence the Rector of WSB University, Prof. Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz. In her address, she drew attention to the role of the contemporary university, which is more than a place for acquiring knowledge. It is also a space where people, generations, cultures, ideas and different ways of understanding the world come together.

In times of rapid change, this mission takes on particular significance. The development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, issues of security, health and quality of life, energy transitions, demographic changes, and challenges related to sustainable development now require cooperation that extends beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines, communities and institutions.

For this reason, WSB University consistently develops a model of an open university – open to knowledge, the world, cooperation and people. One of the symbols of this direction is the Global Knowledge Hub – a concept of the university of the future, where science meets practice, new technologies meet experience, and local responsibility meets the European and global dimensions of academic life.

“Security Begins with Knowledge. Poland in the Face of Global Challenges”
The inaugural lecture, entitled “Security Begins with Knowledge. Poland in the Face of Global Challenges”, was delivered by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, MD, PhD, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence.

The subject of the address directly reflected one of the key challenges of our time – the role of knowledge, education and society’s preparedness in the face of a changing geopolitical, technological and social environment.

The choice of this topic also highlighted the importance of higher education institutions’ responsibility for developing competencies that enable people not only to respond to current challenges, but also to prepare for those that are yet to come.

Locally and internationally
WSB University remains strongly connected to Dąbrowa Górnicza, the Zagłębie region and the Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis, while also operating within the European and global academic sphere.

This combination of local roots and international cooperation is one of the important elements of the University’s development – as is the integration of proven experience with new technologies, research directions and opportunities that are only beginning to emerge.

An exceptional representation of diverse communities
This year’s inauguration brought together a large gathering of representatives of academic communities, public administration, local governments, the economy and culture, as well as WSB University’s partners from Poland and abroad. As Her Magnificence the Rector emphasised, their presence lent particular distinction to the ceremony and expressed recognition of the University’s mission, achievements and activities.

The invited guests included representatives of state authorities, the Parliament of the Republic of Poland, government administration, regional, metropolitan and local government authorities, as well as the diplomatic corps and Christian Churches and communities.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of academia and higher education, research institutes, economic and business communities, companies and business support institutions. Representatives of the uniformed services, the justice system, professional and sectoral self-governing bodies, healthcare, healthcare providers and social institutions were also present.

The guests further included representatives of social organisations, partner secondary schools, the media, student and doctoral student self-government bodies, the University of the Third Age, and the academic community of WSB University.

Such broad representation of diverse communities demonstrated the scale of WSB University’s cooperation with its social, economic, academic and public environment.

More than 6,000 new students join the WSB University community
One of the most solemn moments of the inauguration was the traditional matriculation of new students and doctoral students.

In the 2026/2027 academic year, more than 6,000 first-year students entering engineering, bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, as well as the Doctoral School, are joining the WSB University community.

During the ceremony, representatives of the newly admitted students took a solemn oath, committing themselves to the persistent pursuit of knowledge, the development of their own personalities, respect for the academic community, and the safeguarding of the honour and dignity of a WSB University student.

The matriculation also had an international dimension – the oath was taken by representatives of students studying in foreign languages, as well as doctoral students of the Interdisciplinary International Doctoral School.

The Educator 2026 Title
A special moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the Educator 2026 Title – the highest distinction awarded by WSB University.

This year, it was conferred on Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, MD, PhD, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence.

The distinction was awarded for responsible leadership in efforts to ensure national security, strengthening the defence capabilities of the Republic of Poland, and developing education and preparing the younger generation for responsible public service.

A new chapter in the history of WSB University
The inauguration symbolically marked the beginning of another stage in the University’s history – a year of new academic, teaching and organisational challenges, further research projects, the development of national and international cooperation, and new opportunities for students, doctoral students, staff and partners of WSB University.

Her Magnificence the Rector, Prof. Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz, officially opened the new academic year with the traditional formula: “Quod Bonum, Felix, Faustum Fortunatumque sit – May it turn out well, happily and prosperously!”

The 32nd Inauguration of the Academic Year also served as a reminder that the strength of a contemporary university continues to lie in knowledge, cooperation and the people who form its community.

We wish the entire WSB University community – Students, Doctoral Students, Academic Staff and Employees – a prosperous, inspiring and successful 2026/2027 academic year.

The ceremonial Inauguration of the 2026/2027 Academic Year was preceded by an Ecumenical Service at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Dąbrowa Górnicza. Bishop Artur Ważny, Bishop of the Diocese of Sosnowiec, delivered a message to those gathered.

Press briefing ahead of the Inauguration