From the Youngest Learners to Senior Citizens – WSB University in Tychy Ceremonially Inaugurates the 2026/2027 Academic Year

A passion for discovering the world knows no age limits, and curiosity and a desire for development can accompany people throughout their lives. This idea resonated particularly strongly during the inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year at WSB University in Tychy, which brought together several generations of learners – students beginning their university education, young explorers from the Tychy Children’s University, and participants in the University of the Third Age.

Teatr Mały in Tychy became a venue for an intergenerational gathering where academic traditions met the idea of lifelong learning. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the WSB University authorities, lecturers, University staff, representatives of central and local government administration, partner institutions, and invited guests.

The common thread running through this exceptional gathering was education understood not only as the acquisition of knowledge, but above all as continuous development, building relationships, and discovering new opportunities – regardless of age or stage of life.

Academic Traditions and a Community Spanning Generations
The formal inauguration of the new academic year provided an opportunity to emphasise the role of WSB University in shaping an educational environment responsive to the needs of different age groups.

Students of the Tychy Children’s University and participants in the University of the Third Age at WSB University in Tychy held a special place in the event. Their presence gave the ceremony a distinctive intergenerational character, demonstrating that university education can inspire both the youngest learners and people who, after years of professional activity, still wish to develop their passions, competencies, and interests.

WSB University consistently advances this idea by creating opportunities to acquire knowledge, foster social integration, and participate actively in academic life at different stages of life.

Representatives of Central and Local Government at the Inauguration
The ceremony was attended by representatives of central and local government administration, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the academic community, the local community, and public institutions.

The following representatives addressed the gathering during the inauguration:

• Michał Kopański – Deputy Voivode of Silesia,
• Hanna Skoczylas – Deputy Mayor of Tychy.

The presence of government representatives reflected the importance of education, the development of residents’ competencies, and cooperation with higher education institutions in building the region’s social and economic potential.

Matriculation – the Symbolic Beginning of an Academic Journey
One of the most solemn moments of the ceremony was the matriculation of newly admitted WSB University students.

The solemn oath symbolised the admission of new members to the academic community. As they began the next stage of their education, the students pledged to persevere in acquiring knowledge, develop their competencies, and uphold the values and principles of the academic community.

For many of them, this was their first encounter with academic tradition in such a ceremonial setting, as well as the beginning of new experiences, acquaintances, and challenges that would accompany them throughout the coming years of their education.

“The Fascinating World of AI” – an Inaugural Lecture by Professor Marcin Lis
Will artificial intelligence change the way we learn, work, and discover the world? What opportunities does it open up for successive generations, and why is it worth understanding the technologies that are having an increasingly powerful influence on our everyday lives?

These questions were reflected in the theme of the inaugural lecture entitled “The Fascinating World of AI”, delivered by Professor Marcin Lis – Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and External Relations at WSB University.

The lecture’s subject matter inspired reflection on the rapid development of artificial intelligence in the context of education, the competencies of the future, and the transformations taking place in society.

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of the contemporary world, influencing how we acquire knowledge, communicate, and carry out our work. Its development opens up new opportunities both for those beginning their educational journey and for those wishing to broaden their competencies at later stages of life.

In this context, the lecture’s subject matter was particularly well aligned with the intergenerational character of the inauguration in Tychy, demonstrating the importance of openness to knowledge, new technologies, and continuous learning.

WSB University in Tychy – Education That Connects Generations
The inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year in Tychy demonstrated that the academic community encompasses far more than students and lecturers. It also includes children taking their first steps into the world of science, senior citizens actively developing their interests, and representatives of institutions and organisations that help shape the local educational environment.

From children’s first questions about the world around them, through informed educational and career choices, to the discovery of new passions later in life – learning can accompany people throughout their lives.

WSB University puts this idea into practice through its teaching activities, educational initiatives, and cooperation with the social and economic community, creating an environment for development, gaining experience, and building intergenerational relationships.