The inauguration of the academic year is always a solemn moment — one of the most important days at our university. On October 3rd, once again, we witnessed this special ceremony marking the opening of the 2025/26 academic year.
The ceremony took place at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Opole and began with the singing of the Polish national anthem and the song Gaude Mater Polonia.
After the opening, Professor Jacek Lipok, PhD, Rector of our university, took the floor. In his speech, he drew attention to several very important issues concerning the life of the school, summarizing his achievements so far as rector as well as the plans for the future — including activities within the Forthem and Erasmus programs. A summary of ongoing investments was also presented, including dormitory renovations and other university expenses.
After the speech, a short film about the University of Opole was shown, presenting the most important events, collaborations, and investments that took place during the 2024/25 academic year, including fairs, conferences, and meetings.
The next part of the event featured speeches by invited guests, including representatives of local authorities — among them the Marshal of the Opole Voivodeship, Szymon Ogłaza, and the Bishop of Opole, Andrzej Czaja — emphasizing the significance of cooperation between their institutions and the university.
After these addresses, the Academic Choir of the University of Opole performed, announcing the matriculation of new students and doctoral candidates, who took their oath on behalf of their cohorts and fields of study. On their behalf, speeches were delivered by Aleksandra Krupop, Chair of the Student Government, and MSc Michał Petka, Chair of the Doctoral Student Government of UO.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Dr. Marzena Krawczyk and was titled Tender Knowledge of Art. In it, she focused on the emotions and values that come from observing various works of art.
The inauguration concluded with the singing of the academic anthem Gaudemus igitur.
We asked Aleksandra Krupop, Chair of the Student Government of UO, about her impressions and plans for this academic year:
“I would like to wish students, above all, a lot of courage to take risks and face new challenges, because every new academic year is a new chapter in history — you can become someone completely new, or you can continue your story. So, just do not be afraid, try to take advantage of the opportunities we have at the university, because we really have many of them. We definitely want to do more for students. We are in the process of preparing to expand psychological support services and to launch new projects that will allow students to gain more soft skills, which they don’t usually acquire during classes. So, you could say it is work, work, and more work. And of course, we encourage students to cooperate with us, because we are here for them. So, if anyone has a great idea to realize, they can always come to us, and we will make it happen together.”
Martyna Wolińska, a first-year psychology student, told us why she chose our university:
“I am excited, a little nervous. I hope the university will give me opportunities for growth and for learning psychology, and for development in various student clubs. I chose the University of Opole because I saw that it cooperates with many schools from other countries, and I also saw many research clubs I would like to join and develop in — just like I used to in the student council.”
The Rector of UO, Professor Jacek Lipok, emphasized the high importance of attending the academic year inauguration:
“I hope that each of our students, ladies and gentlemen, will at least once attend a celebration like this, because it is a holiday for students. It is the first day of the year and a welcome for their representatives. My very first inauguration — yes, I remember — was at the Higher School of Pedagogy, in a different hall, one that no longer exists, rebuilt now, but I still remember the impression, the uniqueness of that day. And that is exactly the point. It is the first ceremonially inaugurated day of the Academic Year.”
The inauguration of the academic year is always an extraordinary experience that allows for reflection and inspiration to take action at the university. We wish both new and returning students the best of luck!
Text: Mateusz Gruchot
Translation: OPOlink.pl
(photos: Mateusz Gruchot)
