The meeting was opened by Prof. Radosław Olszewski, Vice-Rector for Academic and External Relations:
– The VIP alumni community is a unique and special group, united by its university roots but it is also a forum for creating, developing and nurturing various relationships – not only professional ones. I am convinced this will also be the case today, as well as in the near and more distant future… I would like to warmly congratulate all those nominated. Thank you all for attending today’s ceremony, which is so important to us. Let us enjoy this event, enjoy this day and keep it in our fond memory.
Nominations and statuettes for new VIP Alumni: Congratulations!
The presentation of nominations and unique statuettes to new members of the University of Lodz VIP Alumni community was the highlight of the event. The distinctions were awarded by Vice-Rector Radosław Olszewski and the Chancellor of the University of Lodz, Maciej Sysak.
The nominations are not only an expression of appreciation for professional achievements, but above all an invitation to continue working together. Those joining the VIP Alumni group are individuals who achieve outstanding results in their respective fields, act as leaders and serve as the best ambassadors of the values represented by the University of Lodz.
Meet the new VIP Alumni of the University of Lodz:
- Olgierd Cygan – Managing Partner, Future.Company; graduate of the Faculty of Management
- Magda Komarzeniec – Director of the Museum of the City of Łódź; graduate of the Faculty of Philology
- Michał Krauze – Executive Director – Business Development, Onwelo; graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology
- Błażej Lenkowski – President of the Management Board of the Liberté! Foundation; graduate of the Faculty of International and Political Studies
- Anna Rudzka – Associate Partner at Deloitte Assurance Polska; graduate of the Faculties of Philology, Economics and Sociology, and Management
- Marek Serafiński – Chief Operating Officer, Polimex Mostostal S.A.; graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology
- Joanna Szymajda – Director of the National Institute of Music and Dance; graduate of the Faculties of Philology and Educational Sciences
- Ewelina Stępniak-Godawa – Regulatory Affairs Manager, Allegro; graduate of the Faculty of International and Political Studies
- Kinga Wojciechowska-Rulka – Head of Communications, Visa; graduate of the Faculty of International and Political Studies
Recently, Maciej Dyl, Private Equity Partner; graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology – also joined this distinguished group.
Full photo coverage of the event
Science Hub UniLodz – science in practice
Like every year, the gala was accompanied by an expert lecture. Dr Karolina Rudnicka, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, Dean’s Representative of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection for Innovation and Implementation, and Member of the University Council of the University of Lodz, spoke about Science Hub UniLodz, an initiative developed at the University for many years. It enables students and researchers to solve real-life problems faced by companies and institutions, providing students with invaluable practical experience, while offering partners a fresh, research-based perspective.
Find out more about Science Hub UniLodz.
13 years of the UniLodz VIP Alumni Programme – and we are moving forward!
For thirteen years, the VIP Alumni Programme has proven that graduation does not have to mean saying goodbye to the university. On the contrary – it marks the beginning of a lasting bond that connects generations and enables the creation of meaningful initiatives long after completing one’s studies. The programme is built by remarkable individuals: leaders from business, culture and public life. Despite their many responsibilities, they always find time to return to their Alma Mater and engage in its activities.
Cooperation with our VIP Alumni is, above all, about tangible actions. Our graduates do not merely visit the university as guests – they actively participate in the educational process, delivering their own classes and sharing knowledge that cannot be found in textbooks. Moreover, together with them, we develop and consult selected study programmes to ensure they respond effectively to the challenges of the contemporary world.
Many of them go one step further by becoming mentors in the University of Lodz Mentorship Programme. It is there, within the mentor–mentee relationship, that they share the most valuable insights on building a career with students. For students, this is a unique opportunity to encounter real practice in its purest form and learn from the best professionals in their fields.
At the University of Lodz, we value people – and we greatly appreciate that our graduates return to us.
More information about the UniLodz VIP Alumni Programme
Text: Magdalena Paszko
Photo coverage: Bartosz Kałużny
