Traditionally, the academic year began with an official ceremony - the Saturday matriculation of students at the foot of Wały Chrobrego and a solemn but intimate roll-call by the Monument in memory of Those who were lost at sea in the Central Cemetery in Szczecin.
Almost 800 newly admitted MUS students took part in the march of the Guards of Honour of the Maritime University of Szczecin accompanied by the Military Orchestra of the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla from Świnoujście. The guests to the ceremony included the Undersecretary of State, Grzegorz Witkowski, and the Director of the Department of Inland Navigation, Monika Niemiec-Burtyn, representing the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation. Moreover, the ceremony was also attended by representatives of companies and institutions from the maritime sector, partner schools and universities from Szczecin, Poland and abroad (the Rector of Azerbaijan Marine State Academy, Aliyev Chingiz Mansur). Also Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga was given an opportunity to address the participants.
During the ceremony, a report was made to Minister Grzegorz Witkowski, the students swore solemnly to the banner of the Maritime University of Szczecin with a pledge to join the student community and undertake to respect the applicable rules.
- The heart of maritime economy beats in Szczecin - said Grzegorz Witkowski during the inauguration. - The Maritime University is of strategic significance for preparation of the staff for this sector developing in Poland.
In his inauguration speech, Rector Wojciech Ślączka, PhD, Eng., Master Mariner, Professor of MUS, congratulated students on selecting the university.
- I believe it is here that your greatest success story begins - he said. - You can spread your wings in any direction, provided that you have the internal strength, discipline and determination - he emphasised.
The Saturday ceremony was marked by the performance of the Choir of the Maritime University of Szczecin - except for traditional “Gaudeamus”, the ensemble also presented some maritime repertoire, which was enjoyed by the crowds of audience: the inauguration of the academic year was attended, as usually, by many families and friends of the Maritime University students’ community.
The inauguration events traditionally began with a roll-call by the Monument in memory of those who were lost at sea. On Friday afternoon, 29th September, many students as well as representatives of companies and institutions connected with the sector gathered in the Central Cemetery to jointly pay tribute to the people of the sea who left for their eternal watch. There is a great value in students’ upholding the tradition while planning their future.
