Ladies and Gentlemen,
All of you who create the Community of the University of Silesia.
Thank you.
For the votes of the Electors who, on our behalf, decided that I should serve as the Rector of the University of Silesia in the next term.
Thank you not only for the votes cast directly for me, but for all the voices heard during the election and those speaking up during the long, intense conversation you had with the candidates and with each other over the last eight weeks about the present and future of our University.
I am grateful to you for the content, style and conclusions of this debate. It proves the uniqueness of the university community of dialogue, which is characterised by the primacy of rationality and substantiveness. We may be emotional and passionate; attached to our own beliefs and worldviews; free in our opinions. Nevertheless, when we enter the space of the University, reason prevails over affects; factual judgment over impulsive tendencies. It is as if our academic professions: research, teaching and studying moderate our passions, making us more friendly and kind to each other. This is the kind of miracle that never ceases to amaze me. I am grateful to you for confirming my faith in the idea of the university as the best institution created by man.
I would also like to thank my co-candidates – Prof. Iwona Loewe and Prof. Jacek Barcik. Together, we have created an opportunity for the community to have a multilateral conversation about the university as well as the chance to choose a truly democratic rector.
I would like to assure all of you, the entire University of Silesia Community, that I will make every effort to ensure that you can say with confidence and pride: “This is my University”.
Yours faithfully
Prof. Ryszard Koziołek
Rector of the University of Silesia
Prof. Ryszard Koziołek, Rector of the University of Silesia | Photo by Julia Agnieszka Szymala