The ceremony brought together a distinguished gathering of representatives of central and local government, higher education institutions, schools, public offices and institutions, uniformed services, sports clubs, healthcare organisations and the business community, alongside many other guests. The proceedings began with the blessing of the University’s new ceremonial banner by Archbishop Stanisław Budzik, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lublin.

Speaking about the institution’s achievements and its journey towards university status, the Rector, Dr Mariusz Paździor, Professor at WSEI University, highlighted the vision and determination behind this success.

- This achievement was the result of extraordinary passion and determination, above all on the part of Teresa Bogacka, our long-serving Chancellor and now President of WSEI University. Her vision and commitment inspired our staff to undertake an exceptional effort, the results of which have made our institution a recognised and respected name in education, not only in Poland but also internationally - the Rector emphasised.

He also noted that, following the completion of the national research evaluation process, the University had achieved the highest evaluation ratings across seven scientific disciplines, securing the right to award doctoral and postdoctoral degrees in those disciplines.

- This achievement is the result of the tremendous work carried out by our research teams. I would also like to recognise the outstanding contribution of their leaders: Professor Monika Baryła-Matejczuk, Professor Tomasz Rymarczyk and Professor Tomasz Wołowiec - he added.

Presenting the University’s annual report, Teresa Bogacka, Doctor Honoris Causa and President of WSEI University, reflected on the institution’s progress and the significance of its new status.

- At this opening ceremony, we look back on the academic year that has just ended, 2025/2026. At the same time, I must emphasise that we are opening an entirely new chapter in the history of our institution and of our academic city. Our name reflects the journey we have taken – from the University of Economics and Innovation, known in Polish as Wyższa Szkoła Ekonomii i Innowacji, to WSEI University. This change reflects the scale of our development, demonstrates the maturity of our academic community and underlines the growing importance of our institution in research, education and socio-economic life, not only in our region but throughout Poland - President Bogacka said.

She also explained the meaning behind the WSEI acronym: “W stands for Wiedza (Knowledge), S for Sukces (Success), E for Edukacja (Education) and I for Innowacje (Innovation). These values have guided us since the very beginning.

On behalf of himself and the Mayor of Lublin, the President of the University’s Convention, MEP Krzysztof Hetman, addressed the guests.

- Together with Mayor Krzysztof Żuk, I would like to congratulate and thank everyone who contributed to this achievement, because attaining university status is undoubtedly a tremendous success. It is often said that success has many fathers, and that is certainly true in this case. However, this success has one mother, because every achievement needs a leader. The undisputed leader of this remarkable 26-year journey is President Teresa Bogacka - he said.

During the ceremony, the Rector formally admitted new students to the academic community in the matriculation ceremony. The event also included the doctoral oath taken by the University’s newly qualified doctoral graduates, as well as awards recognising outstanding graduates and members of staff whose contributions have been particularly important to the institution’s development.

The ceremony concluded with a lecture entitled “The Role of the University in Shaping the Future of Society and the Economy”, delivered by Professor Konrad Janowski, Rector of the University of Vizja.

We begin the 2026/2027 academic year as WSEI University, embarking on a new chapter filled with challenges, opportunities for growth, learning and encounters that strengthen our academic community.

We would like to thank everyone who joined us for this special occasion and for their kind wishes and many congratulations.