INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

On September 13, during the 28th Alumni Reunion of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, “Autumn Returns 2025”, the UMK Alumni Association celebrated the 30th anniversary of its activity. During the event, Vice-Marshal of the region Zbigniew Ostrowski presented Professor Lech Witkowski with the Marshal’s Gold Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis.

– This distinction is an expression of recognition for his contribution to building a space of free thought, independent debate, and intellectual courage, as well as for his academic achievements and influence on the intellectual life of the region and the country. Nicolaus Copernicus University can be proud of a graduate whose thought radiates far beyond the walls of the university, said Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

Professor Lech Witkowski, a philosopher and graduate of UMK, has been associated with the Toruń university for many years, where he served, among other roles, as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Head of the Department of Contemporary Philosophy. He played an important role in the creation of the so-called horizontal structures – an informal consultative initiative within the Polish United Workers’ Party (PZPR), launched at UMK and later developed at other academic centers in Poland. His involvement in this activity led to his internment and removal from teaching duties in 1980–1981. One of the key events of that period was the debate held on February 19, 1981, in the UMK auditorium with Adam Michnik, which resonated widely and resulted in the dissolution of the university’s party organization – the only such case in the country.

This year’s reunion brought together graduates from various fields and years. Participants had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Dr. Dorota Grabowska-Pieńkosz, “Community Through the Decades. 30 Years of the Nicolaus Copernicus University Alumni Association.”

The program also included the opening of an exhibition at the University Library, showcasing three decades of the association’s activity. Traditionally, congratulatory letters were also presented to anniversary classes marking 60, 50, and 25 years since graduation.

“Autumn Returns” has long been an important event integrating the academic community and highlighting the bond between alumni and Nicolaus Copernicus University. The meetings are organized by the UMK Alumni Association, which has been active at the university since 1995 and is now entering its fourth decade of activity.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Officer of the Marshal’s Office

September 16, 2025