The evening was filled with nostalgia, emotion, and pride. On 18 October, in a packed auditorium at the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures, we celebrated 25 years of our University’s history, honouring distinguished staff members and partners who have supported the growth of WSEI University over the years.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Guests, Friends of WSEI University. Today I stand before you deeply moved. Exactly 25 years ago, WSEI University was still just a dream – a bold idea that many thought impossible. In the late 1990s, when the Lublin Car Factory collapsed and later Daewoo Motor Polska closed down, the whole city went through difficult times. I saw people losing their jobs, entire families deprived of their livelihoods. Then I thought: ‘We cannot allow these halls and these fates to remain symbols of an end. We must turn them into symbols of a beginning.’And so came the idea to create, on this very foundation, a university that would educate people capable of shaping their own future, their own businesses, their own jobs.This is how the University of Economics and Innovation - today WSEI University - was born, an institution which for 25 years has continuously served science, students, the city, and the region. - said Teresa Bogacka, dr h.c., President of WSEI University, in her address.
She also paid tribute to two people who supported her in establishing the university – the late Stanisław Węglarz, founder of the OIC Poland Foundation, and PhD Michał Jarmuł, Professor at WSEI University.
- I would also like to thank our lecturers, employees, and partners who believed in my vision, our students and graduates - because you are the most beautiful proof that it was worth it. I thank the city and regional authorities, our social and business partners for their support, cooperation, and trust; my family and friends for standing by me when strength sometimes failed. Without you, WSEI University would not be what it is today.
Just as we once turned the ruins of a factory into the foundation of a university, today we can turn challenges into opportunities. Thank you for being here and for co-creating this extraordinary story. May WSEI University continue to grow, inspire, and change people’s lives for the better – for the next 25, 50, 100 years. We have proven that in Lublin, even on the ruins of the past, something beautiful can blossom - emphasised President Bogacka.
- This is 25 years of a journey to the jubilee. We are here today because someone had an idea, someone had a vision, someone had determination and pursued it consistently. Twenty-five years did not come from nothing. Congratulations are due, for Lublin has grown richer because of this - said Wojciech Wołoch, Deputy Governor of Lublin Province.
- WSEI University it is a University created by the people of Lublin, which is why your celebration is a celebration of the whole city. We are convinced that for your 30th anniversary we will be celebrating your transformation into a university of full academic rights, which we sincerely wish you - said Mariusz Banach, Deputy Mayor of Lublin.
These wishes were joined by Anna Augustyniak, Deputy Mayor of Lublin for Social Affairs.
On behalf of the Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship and the Regional Board, regional councillor Lech Sprawka presented President Teresa Bogacka with a certificate of recognition and Rector Prof. Marek Opielak with the Commemorative Medal of the Lublin Voivodeship, awarded to the University.
- I would like to emphasise that this university and its success would not exist without Madam President. I express my sincere congratulations and deep admiration for your energy and leadership - said Lech Sprawka.
Member of the European Parliament Krzysztof Hetman also extended his congratulations:
- You are giving something extraordinary, something invaluable. You have already given it to 60,000 young people, and you continue to give it to many more – the chance for a better life, by sharing your knowledge. You can all be immensely proud – every single one of you working at WSEI University.
Awards and Honours
The Jubilee Gala was not only an occasion for reflection but also a moment to honour staff members whose work and commitment have contributed most to the University’s academic, teaching, and organisational achievements.
During the gala, employees received Medals for Long Service and Medals of the National Education Commission for special contributions to education and upbringing, particularly in teaching, mentoring, and teacher training. Decorations were also awarded by the Voivode of Lublin and the Mayor of Lublin.
The University itself presented its own distinctions, recognising individuals and institutions that have supported its mission and growth in an exceptional way.
“Ambassador of WSEI University” Awards
In the Individual Category:
In the Institutions and Organisations Category:
Additionally, the University authorities decided to recognise the outstanding academic and teaching achievements of its academic staff by conferring the title of Professor of WSEI University upon:
This is a motivation for further hard work - noted Rector Prof. Marek Opielak.
Our guests were also presented with a film produced by TVP Lublin to mark the 25th Anniversary Jubilee, which will be broadcast on 21 October at 9:00 p.m. on TVP3 Lublin.
The gala concluded with a concert by the tenor trio Tre Voci and a ceremonial banquet.
Acknowledgements
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Honorary Committee of the 25th Anniversary of WSEI University, whose members include:
We also extend our thanks to the Media Patrons of the 25th Anniversary Jubilee of WSEI University: TVP3 Lublin, Radio Lublin, Dziennik Wschodni, Kurier Lubelski, Gazeta Wyborcza, Rzeczpospolita, Wspólnota Publishing Group, Portal Lubelski.pl, and Panorama Lubelska Magazine.