On Saturday, 5 October, Gdańsk saw the annual ceremonial university parade. Held by the initiative of Fahrenheit University, the event brought together students, lecturers and the representatives of state and local authorities, who together marched along the streets of Gdańsk, emphasizing the cooperation between the Tri-City's academic institutions.

The colourful parade, attended by the representatives of the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology and University of Gdańsk, as well as of other Pomeranian higher education institutions, walked along the city streets thus inaugurating the new academic year. The parade set off from the Golden Gate, and ended with a grand finale by the Artus Court, where the representatives of central and local authorities,  university authorities as well as undergraduate and PhD students made speeches.

The development of the region and the construction of the first research center in Poland with such an integrated structure is a huge opportunity for long-term strengthening of Pomerania as a leader of modern solutions and science. Thanks to the cooperation of universities, Tricity is becoming a place where education meets practice and innovative solutions can be implemented on a large scale - said Beata Rutkiewicz, Voivode of Pomerania.

The university parade in which we participate is not only a confirmation of the cooperation between our universities, but also proof that Gdańsk is a city open to development and ambitious people. We are becoming a center where young people can develop their passions, taking advantage of the wide opportunities our city offers, both professionally and privately - claims Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk.

Today's University Parade is an expression of the unity of our three leading universities. In the new year, we face the challenges of taking further steps to strengthen cooperation within our Union. I hope that the necessary changes in the laws will be introduced which will  enable us to achieve our objectives – to integrate university systems and unite our activities to obtain maximum benefits for us all and, above all, significantly strengthen our position on the international arena. These objectives are more and more strongly supported by the members  of Parliament, local government and business communities of Pomerania. That cooperation strengthens the position of our universities and the Tri-City as a centre of innovation and science – said prof. Piotr Stepnowski, Chairman of the Assembly of the Fahrenheit Universities.

The university parade is the evidence of the region’s academic potential. The parade also provides an excellent platform for building relations and promoting common values that contribute to the growing importance of the Tri-City on the map of scientific centres in Poland. By joining forces, we can inspire one another, share best practices and develop innovative projects that bring benefits to both the academic community and the local market.

– There are 20,000 of us in Poland. Together with our supervisors, we raise funds for research, write articles and solve issues  – said Ignacy, a representative of PhD students. – Every day, we try to be not only better scientists but, above all, better people. We go from being enthusiastic to becoming independent scientists. We learn to be reliable and care about the accessibility of science. We nurture respect for others together. We cherish university traditions and customs. Together we strive for science in Poland to be able to develop – he added.

The participants in the parade emphasise that they are all part of a larger whole in which they share knowledge and experience. Everyone has a role to play and individual passions translate into collective success. United in the pursuit of a better tomorrow, they not only respond to challenges but also build the foundations for future achievements.

– We have dreams. We have objectives. We have tasks to do. We set ourselves challenges that are difficult to meet. We talk about overcoming adversities and dealing with problems that stand in our way. But often the biggest challenge is ourselves. We are the ones with limitations, fears and doubts that paralyse us and prevent us from becoming who we want to be. Let's trust and appreciate one another. When I believe in my abilities, I also push my limits and can do more. This belief is the driving force that will lead us to do great things. Or to do small ones, but ours,’  – added Patrycja, a students’ representative.

The university parade was an opportunity to integrate the local academic community. The parade was also the time when educational achievements and the importance of collaboration in developing innovation and science were celebrated together. The unique nature of the event was emphasised by live entertainment. Performances by the Gdańsk Academic Orchestra and by the choirs from the three universities, as well as dynamic presentations by an acrobatic group and the majestic sounds of carillons created an unforgettable atmosphere.

The parade was also attended by the representatives of:

• Ateneum University in Gdańsk
• Polish Naval Academy of the Heroes of Westerplatte
• Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk
• Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk
• Jędrzej Śniadecki Academy of Physical Education and Sport
• Gdańsk School of Higher Education
• Gdańsk Seminary
• Kashubian-Pomeranian University in Wejherowo
• Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (the branch in Gdańsk)
• Powiśle University of Applied Sciences
• Sopot Academy of Applied Sciences
• WSB Merito University Gdańsk
• Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski University of Business and Administration in Gdynia
• University of Security (the branch in Gdańsk)
• Higher School of Economy Engineering in Słupsk
• University of Social Studies and Economics in Gdańsk
• Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management in Gdańsk
• University of Health in Gdańsk

The ceremony was broadcast via www.gdansk.pl and on the Fahrenheit Universities’ Facebook profile, where the footage of the event can still be viewed. 

The organisers thank the Gdańsk Archipelago of Culture, Museum of Gdańsk, Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk and Gdańsk City Guard for their cooperation.

fot. Gregmar