- You are beginning the most important chapter in your lives. You are joining the academic community where you will meet wonderful teachers and friends. Enjoy studying, foster your passions, make your dreams come true – said the Rector, Dariusz Wieliński, PhD, associate professor of the Poznań University School of Physical Education to new students during the opening ceremony of the new year, which took place today at our University.

The ceremony started with the speech of the Rector. Associate professor of the University Dariusz Wieliński, PhD, summarised the previous academic year and presented plans for the development of the University. He wished the staff, students and friends of the University satisfaction with their work and their achievements.

After the Rector’s speech and a traditional film screening, the Rector and Deans conducted the matriculation of new students and conferred postdoctoral degrees. A guest lecture was delivered by professor Jerzy Gębicki, PhD, from Łódź University of Technology.

During the ceremony awards and distinctions were presented. Gold medals of Jędrzej Śniadecki were awarded to professor Wojciech Chalcarz, PhD, and Sylwia Merkiel, PhD and the statuettes of IKARUS “Ciągle naprzód” (“Constantly forward”) for exceptional scientific achievements were presented to Agata Glapa, PhD, and Zuzanna Dobrzyńska, PhD. The Rector honoured also the outstanding athletes of our University who represented Poland at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this year: Karolina Naja, Maciej Lepiato, Zbyszek Schodowski, Patrycja Piechowiak and Karol Robak.