On 9 October, the official inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year took place at the VIZJA PARK campus in Warsaw. The event brought together numerous distinguished guests, including representatives of the academic community, public institutions and partner organisations. Students, academic and administrative staff, and the University’s leadership also gathered to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year. It was a day marked by academic traditions, prestigious honours and shared moments, symbolically opening another year of learning, research and development.
A Ceremonial Opening of the New Academic Year
The inauguration began with a ceremonial procession of the Rector and academic dignitaries, departing from the courtyard of the VIZJA PARK campus. Alongside the leadership of VIZJA University, the procession included representatives of partner universities, including fellow members of the academic federation: Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski University in Kraków and Western University in Wrocław. Their presence highlighted the importance of academic cooperation and the bonds connecting institutions of higher education and research.
The ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished guests representing the academic community, diplomatic corps, central and local government authorities, state and public institutions, uniformed services, the healthcare sector, professional associations, expert communities, social organisations and foundations. Representatives of the VIZJA Educational Society, the University’s academic and administrative staff, and, of course, students were also among those gathered.
The official proceedings opened with addresses by His Magnificence the Rector of VIZJA University, Associate Professor Konrad Janowski, and Director General Marzena Godlewska. In their speeches, the University’s leaders reflected on the role of contemporary education, the importance of the academic community and the prospects for the University’s continued development.
Rector Konrad Janowski addressed the challenges that the rapid development of artificial intelligence presents for higher education. He emphasised that, in an era of accelerating technological change, universities must foster not only professional competencies but also independent thinking, responsibility and values.
“I am convinced that, in the age of artificial intelligence, a university should not only look boldly towards the future, but also return to its roots,” the Rector stated, recalling the timeless idea of a university as a community of masters and students.
Director General Marzena Godlewska, meanwhile, reflected on the University’s 25th anniversary, using the metaphor of construction, in which the foundations represent the achievements of the past and the subsequent stages of building symbolise the University’s future and continued growth. She emphasised that a quarter of a century of activity does not mark the end of a journey, but rather provides a solid foundation for pursuing further ambitious goals.
“Twenty-five years is a wonderful foundation, but a foundation is not something we build simply to stop there,” she remarked, also highlighting that the University’s greatest strength lies in its community. “A university is built on relationships, ambition, knowledge, responsibility and shared values,” she emphasised.
Student Oath – A Symbolic Beginning of the Academic Journey
One of the most significant moments of the inauguration was the solemn oath taken by students beginning their studies at VIZJA University. Representing the entire first-year student community, 12 students from the University’s six faculties – six Polish and six international students – took the oath.
I vow!
The ceremony was conducted by His Magnificence the Rector, the Vice-Rector for Education and the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation. Its culminating moment was the symbolic investiture with the Rector’s sceptre, performed by Rector Konrad Janowski, formally welcoming the new students into the international academic community of VIZJA University.
Honours and Achievements of the Academic Community
An important part of the ceremony was the presentation of official appointment documents by His Magnificence the Rector to Associate Professor Magdalena Smoleń-Wawrzusiszyn, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts, and Professor Magdalena Makarewicz-Wujec, Vice-Dean of Collegium Medicum.
The recipients of the Minister of Science and Higher Education’s scholarships for outstanding young scientists were also honoured. Joanna Gorgol-Waleriańczyk, PhD, and Simant Shankar Bharti, PhD, received commemorative diplomas presented by His Magnificence the Rector.
The inauguration also featured awards granted by the students themselves. The results of the third edition of the Lecturer of the Year competition were announced, following a vote in which nearly 2,000 students participated. The competition provided an opportunity to recognise academic teachers whose knowledge, dedication and approach to teaching inspire young people to develop their potential.
This year’s award winners were:
- Joanna Kozaczyńska, PhD – 1st place;
- Piotr Nowicki, MA – 2nd place;
- Mariusz Głowacki, PhD – 3rd place.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to Professor Ryszard Stachowski for 22 years of dedicated service, commitment and contribution to the development of VIZJA University and its academic community. His long-standing involvement exemplifies the lasting bonds between the University and its staff, including those who have helped shape the institution for more than two decades, almost since its foundation.
Inaugural Lecture and the “VIZJA Inspiration” Award
This year’s inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Mariola Łaguna from the Institute of Psychology at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.
In her lecture entitled “Happiness – A Good Life? What Can Psychology Teach Us?”, she introduced the audience to recent research on happiness and explored findings that offer inspiration for building meaningful relationships and leading a fulfilling, satisfying life.
Following the lecture, Professor Łaguna was presented with the “VIZJA Inspiration” statuette, an award expressing the academic community’s recognition and gratitude to distinguished individuals who share their knowledge and experience.
Letters of Congratulations and Best Wishes for the New Academic Year
To mark the inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year, VIZJA University received numerous letters of congratulations, recognising the University’s achievements and conveying best wishes for the year ahead. The letters were sent by representatives of the academic community and prominent state and public institutions.
Together into the New Academic Year
This year’s inauguration combined long-standing academic traditions with important milestones in the life of VIZJA University. It was an opportunity to celebrate scientific and teaching achievements, express gratitude to those contributing to the University’s development and welcome new members of the academic community.
We wish all students, academic and administrative staff, as well as the partners and friends of VIZJA University, an inspiring 2026/2027 academic year filled with new opportunities, valuable experiences and personal achievements!
