Forty Years of English Studies in Opole
The jubilee celebration was attended by important guests, among them, the Rector of the UO, Prof. Marek Masnyk, the Vice-Rector for Science and Finance, Prof. Janusz Słodczyk, the former Rector of the UO and the Curator of the University Hill Prof. Stanisław S. Nicieja, the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Prof. Joanna Czaplińska, directors of Institutes of English from many Polish universities, as well as the Vice-Marshal of the Opole Voivodeship, Szymon Ogłaza.Before the official opening of the event, Prof. Stanisław S. Nicieja showed the participants around the Museum of the University of Opole and the Academic Hill, telling them briefly about the history of establishing Polish universities, mentioning that the University of Opole was the first university to be established after the political transformation.
Those gathered in our university museum were greeted by the Rector, Prof. Marek Masnyk. - I remember perfectly well the time when the English Philology was created in Opole, it was the time of my studies at the Higher Pedagogical College - he said. - I was observing the College growing into adulthood. We watched with others how new philologies emerge and develop. I always say that the most important thing in every action is the beginning. This was also the case with the English Philology. Let us remember that 1978 was a special year, and this year is also a unique, because we celebrate an important jubilee under the banner of 65 years of academic tradition, and 25 years of the university. One could ask why these anniversaries are being celebrated. Well, they are there to cherish the memory of people, events, the memory of those who built our past and thus influence the future. Today, when you celebrate your jubilee, you are building our university identity. As Professor Nicieja tells us: write, note, remember, and save from oblivion! This is what we are doing today. Congratulating and thanking you for your achievements, I wish you all the best.
- I would like to join the congratulations and emphasize that 40 years of our English Studies in Opole are eight generations of graduates, dozens of graduated doctors, as well as a number of habilitated doctors - said Prof. Joanna Czaplińska, Dean of the Faculty of Philology. - In the Institute of English there is power, ingenuity, and great potential, which makes the programmes we offer enjoy great popularity among young people. Thank you for that and I look forward to further great cooperation," emphasized the Dean.
The Vice-Marshal, Szymon Ogłaza, apart from congratulating, expressing his appreciation and thanks, also presented five employees of the Institute of English with the distinction "Merits for the Opole Voivodeship". They were awarded to: Prof. Marek Błaszak, Prof. Ilona Dobosiewicz, Prof. Liliana Piasecka, Prof. Jan Zalewski, Prof. Ryszard Wolny, and Prof. Ewa Piechurska-Kuciel.
Although the jubilee was an opportunity for sentimental conversations, its participants did not neglect scientific matters. For two days, they took part in lectures, presentations and panel discussions.
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