Karol Cebula's Monument Unveiled
"Friend of the University, philanthropist" - this is the inscription on the pedestal with the bust of Karol Cebula, which was unveiled on the University Hill on March 10, 2021, on the 27th anniversary of the foundation of the University of Opole. “The monument to my father could stand in many places in Opole or the region, but the hill is the best place for it," said Krzysztof Cebula, who, together with the Rector of the Opole University, Prof. Marek Masnyk, unveiled the bust of his father.
Welcoming the modest group of guests who arrived for the short ceremony, Prof. Masnyk, said: “We are meeting under unusual conditions, in times of a pandemic, so I apologise to all those who did not receive an invitation from me, but we tried to observe the sanitary regime.”
Beautiful legacies
“Karol Cebula's life, which was divided between Gliwice, Strzelce Opolskie and Opole, left many beautiful legacies. However, his enormous activity is particularly felt in the very place where we are meeting today," said the rector. “Karol Cebula was an ardent supporter of the establishment of a university in Opole. From the very beginning he declared his support for it in all fields, which can be seen, for example, in the sculptures of artists that surround us, most of which he sponsored, as well as in the renovation of some historical statues on the University Hill. It should also be noted that he funded scholarships for young doctoral students. He also ceaselessly supported us in our efforts to establish a medical school at our university and accompanied us in all important moments. Karol, we miss you very much. You will remain in our hearts and in our memories, and the bust we are unveiling today is a token of our gratitude.”
Prof. Masnyk also recalled that Karol Cebula was the only person endowed with the title of an honorary senator of the University of Opole.
Empathic and generous entrepreneur
“Karol Cebula, an exceptional and - I do not hesitate to say that - great person, has left his mark on our city," said Andrzej Drosik, chairman of the University Council and co-initiator of the erection of the monument of Karol Cebula. “As an entrepreneur he participated in many business and economic initiatives, and this is only natural. However, Karol was also a person who devoted a significant part of his time and energy to charity and social activities. Karol's flagship activity in recent years was his involvement in the establishment of a medical school at the UO. His energy and efforts in this area were truly impressive. We will miss Karol, but this place will always remind us of him.”
Best place in the world
“University Hill is the best place in the world to place a bust of my father, because he was a fanatical friend of the university," said Krzysztof Cebula, thanking for the initiative to erect the monument on the Hill.
In turn, Prof. Stanisław S. Nicieja, former rector of the UO, custodian of the University Hill and Karol Cebula’s friend, stressed that the support of Karol Cebula for the idea of erecting monuments to artists important for the history of the Polish song on the Hill determined the character of this place, one of the most frequented in Opole today.
The statue was consecrated by Rev. Dr Waldemar Klinger, parish priest of the Opole Cathedral; Karol Cebula also supported the renovation of the Opole Cathedral of the Elevation of the Holy Cross.
The bust was made in the workshop of the renowned sculptor Prof. Marian Molenda of the University of Opole and it was financed by Karol Cebula’s family.
On 4 July 2021 it will be two years since the death of Karol Cebula.
Text: Beata Łabutin
Video clip: Filip Ożarowski
Photos: Sylwester Koral