Vistula University Inaugurates the 2026/2027 Academic Year

On 22 October 2026, Vistula University and Vistula School of Hospitality held their official inauguration ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year. The event brought together students, lecturers, university staff and invited guests, including representatives of the academic and diplomatic communities. It was an opportunity to officially welcome the new academic year, greet first-year students and honour members of our academic community.

The ceremony began with the entrance of the Senates of both universities, the ceremonial colour guards and the singing of the national anthem. This was followed by speeches from the Rector of Vistula University, Prof. Wawrzyniec Konarski and the Rector of Vistula School of Hospitality, Prof. Krzysztof Celuch.

In their addresses, the Rectors welcomed the academic community as it embarked on another year of learning, work and development. During the ceremony, an excerpt from a letter from the Minister of Science and Higher Education was also read aloud, and thanks were extended to the universities and institutions that had sent their congratulations and best wishes for the new academic year.

New Students Officially Join the Vistula Community

One of the most important moments of the ceremony was the official matriculation of first-year students. Student representatives took the academic oath, symbolically marking the beginning of a new chapter in their education.

For those just starting their studies, the inauguration was their first opportunity to take part in such a formal academic ceremony. It was also a reminder that university life is about more than classes and exams – it is also a chance to meet new people, develop interests and gain valuable experiences.

The ceremony featured performances by the Invicta Chamber Choir, including Gaude Mater Polonia and Gaudeamus igitur.

Doctoral Oath-Taking Ceremony, Medals and Awards

The inauguration was also an opportunity to recognise academic achievements and the contributions of individuals involved in the university’s development.

The doctoral oath-taking ceremony was conducted by Dr. habil. Radosław Lolo, Professor at Vistula University and Director of the Doctoral School at the Aleksander Gieysztor Academy in Pułtusk, a branch of Vistula University.

The following individuals took the doctoral oath and received their doctoral diplomas:

Dr. Agata Myśliwiecka,
Dr. Bartosz Drejerski,
Dr. Marcin Błaszczyk,
Dr. Jan Mieczysław Gajewski.

Another important part of the ceremony was the presentation of the Medals of the Commission of National Education, awarded for outstanding contributions to education and teaching. The medals were presented to Dr. Patrycjusz Matwiejczuk and Paulina Soliwoda, MA. During the inauguration, special thanks were also extended to Professor Juliusz Kotyński for his many years of service and contributions to the university’s development. He received a letter of congratulations as a token of appreciation and gratitude. The Rector’s Second-Degree Awards of Vistula School of Hospitality were also presented to Dr. Piotr Dominik and Magdalena Markiewicz.

Graduates were recognised for their achievements as well. The winners of the Włodzimierz Mirowski Best Thesis Competition in the bachelor’s thesis category were announced. Alicja Konopka took first place, Iga Najdek came second, and Jakub Wojciechowski placed third. All three are graduates of the Tourism and Recreation programme.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and honourees!

Inaugural Lecture by Ambassador Joanna Wronecka

One of the highlights of the event was the inaugural lecture delivered by Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, an experienced diplomat who has represented Poland internationally for many years.

Joanna Wronecka has served, among other roles, as the Permanent Representative of Poland to the United Nations in New York, as well as Poland’s Ambassador to Egypt and Sudan, and to Morocco and Mauritania. From 2021 to 2024, she served as the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, with the rank of Under-Secretary-General.

We would like to thank all our guests, students, lecturers and staff who joined us for this year’s inauguration ceremony.