Gdynia Maritime University GMU

A Special Captain Leszek Wiktorowicz Award was given to Gdynia Maritime University for 100 years of maritime education in Poland.

Gdynia Maritime University is an unquestionable source of pride not only for Gdynia but also for Poland. The University produces exceptionally well-prepared professionals. Graduates include many captains, officer mechanics, professors, scientists, sailors, travellers, and writers. GMU is the alma mater of many of the best Polish seafarers – The cradle of maritime Poland – said Waldemar Heflich, a member of the awards commission.  

The award was created by the estate of Captain Leszek Wiktorowicz, Gdynia City Council, Bractwo Kaphornowców Association, and Press Club Polska. The award was granted by the awards commission:

• Mariusz Wiktorowicz, the Captain’s son (Chair)
• Mira Urbaniak, Bractwo Kaphornowców Association
• Marek Padjas, Bractwo Kaphornowców Association
• Chair of Gdynia City Council,
• Marek Łucyk, Deputy Major of Gdynia
• Waldemar Heflich, Press Club Polska, nowezagle.pl

The presentation of the awards took place at the Museum of the City of Gdynia, near the mooring place of  Dar Młodzieży.  

We have granted the award for the education provided since 17 June 1920 - the date of the decree for the establishment of maritime education in Poland. Gdynia Maritime University may have changed its name, but the people have not changed. The majority of us have a relation who attended the State Higher Maritime School, the Higher Maritime School, Gdynia Maritime Academy or today’s Gdynia Maritime University. This institution has provided maritime education without interruption for 100 years, from its beginnings in Tczew to Gdynia, and even beyond the country’s borders as it was during WWII. Today’s University teaches degrees in nine academic fields and some 50 specialisations – said Joanna Zielińska, a member of the awards commission and Chair of Gdynia City Council.

From the outset, we were a University that recognised the need for training at sea. Even before the Maritime School was founded, the decision was made to buy a training vessel, the tall ship that was christened Lwów. I have my own recollections of the patron of this award. Captain Leszek Wiktorowicz was my captain. During the 1980s, I was his personal assistant. I remember him as a person who had an exceptional approach to people. When applying for the role of dean of the Faculty of Navigation, it was him who I turned to for advice on the challenges I would face should I be elected. It was he who convinced me to stand for election for the privileged role of Rector of the University – said Rector Professor Adam Weintrit when accepting his award.

Translated from the source at: nagrodawiktorowicza.pl