Two Decades of Educating Those Who Shape People. The Department of Pedagogy at WSB University Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Exactly 20 years ago, the first Pedagogy students began their studies at WSB University. To mark this special jubilee, a unique gala was organised at the University's campus in Dąbrowa Górnicza. The celebration featured awards presented to leading figures in Polish pedagogy, a lecture delivered by the Chair of the Pedagogical Sciences Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and - for the first time in the history of the campus - an open-air concert.

The ceremony was opened by the Rector of WSB University, Prof. Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz, while the audience was guided through two decades of achievements of the Department of Pedagogy by its Head, Prof. Marek Walancik, who has led the Department since 2014.

Seven Awards for the Architects of Polish Pedagogy

The highlight of the official part of the event was the presentation of the "Super Educator" and "Educator" awards, honouring individuals who have enriched Polish pedagogy and shaped successive generations of researchers and practitioners. The statuettes were designed by Kraków sculptor Andrzej Zaradkiewicz.

The title of "Super Educator" for contributions to the development of Polish pedagogy was awarded to Prof. Agnieszka Cybal-Michalska. The "Educator" distinctions were presented to Prof. Eugenia Rostańska, Prof. Marek Walancik, Prof. Mirosława Nowak-Dziemianowicz, Bishop Dr Artur Ważny, Agata Stankiewicz-Rataj, President of the Regional Court in Katowice, and Prof. Agnieszka Gromkowska-Melosik. Each recipient was recognised for a different dimension of their work – from educational and research activities, through doctoral supervision, to combining the administration of justice with a social mission.

Distinguished Guests and a Lecture on Pedagogy in a Changing World

Among the distinguished guests attending the jubilee were Krzysztof Jan Klęczar, Governor of the Małopolska Province; Rafał Adamczyk, Member of the Board of the Silesian Voivodeship; Aldona Węgrzynowicz, Member of the Silesian Regional Assembly; Artur Ważny, Bishop of Sosnowiec; Elżbieta Modrzewska, Deputy Superintendent of Education in Katowice; Senator of the Republic of Poland Ryszard Majer; and Marek Węgrzynowicz, Deputy Mayor of Dąbrowa Górnicza.

The academic highlight of the day was a lecture delivered by Prof. Agnieszka Cybal-Michalska, PhD, DSc, Dr h.c., Chair of the Committee on Pedagogical Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences and member of the Council for Scientific Excellence, entitled "The Theoretical Nature of Pedagogical Findings as a Response to Social Transformations and an Expression of Commitment."

The 25th Anniversary of the Priesthood of Fr Dr Michał Borda

The second protagonist of the day was Fr Dr Michał Borda, who celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination. Fr Borda combines his pastoral ministry with academic work – he has taught catechetics, didactics, and pedagogy at, among others, the Theological Institute of the Congregation of the Mission in Kraków and seminaries in Sosnowiec and Częstochowa. For many years, he has also headed the Catechetical Department of the Diocesan Curia in Sosnowiec. His scholarly work focuses on catechesis, including special catechesis and conscience formation.

From Classical Music to Blues from Behind Bars

The concert programme featured outstanding performances by Agnieszka Gajgier-Otręba, principal flautist of the Zabrze Philharmonic, accompanied by pianist Kamil Dąbek and young instrumentalists. A special concert dedicated to the Jubilarian was performed by artists from the Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic in Kraków – soprano Magdalena Drozd and a string quartet.

The finale took place on the campus patio for the first time: an open-air concert was given by the AweSomeBand of WSB University and the band from the Correctional Facility in Wojkowice – a powerful testament to the fact that education and rehabilitation can play in harmony. The celebration concluded with a collective rendition of "Sto lat" and a commemorative photograph.

Two Decades of the Department

The Department of Pedagogy has operated within the Faculty of Applied Sciences since the 2005/2006 academic year. In 2019, the programme was transformed into a long-cycle Master's degree in Preschool and Early School Education. Today, the unit offers two practice-oriented study programmes and employs more than a dozen independent academic staff members, supported by practitioners from educational, rehabilitation, and care institutions. Its research activities cover, among other areas, early childhood education, the prevention of social exclusion, as well as prevention and rehabilitation.