Gdynia Maritime University GMU

Speech given by HM Rector of Gdynia Maritime University on the Occasion of University Celebration Day 2020

Ladies and Gentlemen.

This year, 2020, in the shadow of a worldwide pandemic, we celebrate the centenary of the establishment of our Maritime Alma Mater. The history of its name reflects the spirit of change to which we were subjected and the path of development of our University, from its humble beginnings as a small two-faculty Maritime School in Tczew, to the Higher Maritime School, and with time, its development into the Maritime Academy and today's Gdynia Maritime University. 

The creation of our University - its development - was and is a process in which, before World War II people from distant corners of the First Polish Republic, from Vilnius, Lviv, and, after the war, young people from all over Poland came to settle in the emerging city of Gdynia took part. Today that development is continued by you – educators, scientists, students, doctoral students and administration staff who associate their professional life with Gdynia Maritime University.

The special day of the celebration of the 100th anniversary invites us to reflect deeply on the achievements of past generations. The century-old tradition of educating young people in the spirit of patriotism, respect for others and respect for science has been the most important message of all those who cared for the image of the University during this last century.

Let us make no mistake, the expectations of the Maritime School were high. Lecturers and employees were to focus not only on educating personnel for the emerging Polish maritime economy but also on supporting other areas of the economy and science – transport, electronics, energy, and construction.

Successive University authorities have each carried out their plans, establishing educational programs, implementing investments and expanding the number of degrees and maritime internships we offer.

The celebration of our centenary prompts us to reflect on the struggles of past generations and to look wisely into the future with an awareness of what we can contribute to the building of our maritime community.

It is my solemn belief that the present does not exist without the past. After all, it is people of flesh and blood who make history. People such as Antoni Garnuszewski, Adam Mohuczy, Władysław Kosianowski, Stanisław Kosko, Antoni Zieliński, Karol Olgierd Borchardt, Konstanty Maciejewicz, Mieczysław Jurewicz, Kazimierz Jurkiewicz, Bohdan Kowalczyk, Daniel Duda, Mikołaj Kostecki, Władysław Rymarz, Jan Kazimierz Włodarski, Piotr Jędrzejowicz, Józef Lisowski, Piotr Przybyłowski, Romuald Cwilewicz, and Janusz Zarębski.

In naming all my illustrious predecessors, we must recognise that behind them stood a lot of dedicated people who worked and every day for the success of today's Maritime University.

As the 20th Rector of our Alma Mater, I pay tribute to all those who faced difficulties often greater than those affecting us today, and yet did extraordinary things. I feel honoured that as Rector I have the privilege of leading our community into the second century of its existence.

Over the past 100 years, our University has educated over 30,000 graduates – captains, merchant navy officers, sailors, engineers, people from the world of science, politicians, entrepreneurs – noble and valuable people. The Faculty councils have awarded doctoral degrees to 98 people and postdoctoral degrees to a further 15.  Since 1969, we have published almost 800 titles, scripts, textbooks and scientific journals.

During these 100 years, the development of the University was overseen by 21 rectors, 40 deputy rectors, 10 chancellors, 9 bursars, 53 deans, 131 deputy deans, 153 heads of units and 25 directors.

It is impossible to list all the achievements of the Maritime University over the past century, but it was our graduates who discovered, created, studied, designed, built, and trained. It is their achievements beyond the walls of the University, the excellent opinion of them among the world's largest ship operators that testify to the quality of teaching at our institution.

The rich tradition of the School and its employees includes many spectacular achievements – voyages around the world, the rescue of survivors, participation in peacekeeping missions, gold medals for innovation, creating international maritime regulations, discovering new sea routes, building a sailing ship, creating a maritime school in Africa, training officers of other countries, building wind farms, obtaining a place in the elite group of the best researchers in the world and many, many others, which are personal successes of our employees, but also contribute to the image of a University of international measure and potential.

Today, 823 staff members work at the Maritime University in teaching, research, administration and technical roles.  We have buildings in several places around the Tri-City area with a total area of 105,985 square meters.

The Maritime University has become part of the fabric of the city of Gdynia; every local inhabitant knows or has known someone connected with it. Many individuals educated within the walls of the University made a significant contribution to the development of Gdynia and today the contributions of these educators and graduates are commemorated in streets named in their honour.

Every year, a dozen or so students are part of a list of outstanding pupils of our University. 

We have another 100 years ahead of us, in which to perfect the work of our predecessors. Every year, our University sends out into the world top-class professionals – officers, mechanics, electronic engineers, logisticians, and entrepreneurs associated with the maritime industry. We will also increase the intellectual potential of the University, support business through innovation and scientific research, and develop the Polish maritime economy. 

Ladies and Gentlemen.

The rich scientific and cultural achievements of the School are a source of inspiration and motivation for today's generation. These achievements fill us with pride, but they also set high standards. Our activities are accompanied by respect for tradition, a continually high standard of education, and all the benefits of the modern era.   

The history of the School has a different dimension for everyone. We remember with fondness our youth, our expert professors – their kindness, friendship and wisdom.

I hope that today will provide a welcome opportunity to reminisce and reflect.

I wish all graduates, students and doctoral candidates, teaching and administration staff, and all those who study and work within the walls of this University in the future, to always feel a sense of belonging and care for our maritime community.