The building brought back to life
The highlight of the celebrations was the official opening of the A19 building after a thorough revitalisation. The event began with the ribbon-cutting by Rector Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik, Dean of the Faculty Prof. Jacek Sawicki, and Prof. Tomasz Kubiak.
The ceremony gathered many distinguished guests – local authorities, university authorities, representatives of the academic and industrial communities, staff, doctoral students, students, alumni, and friends of the Faculty.
The modern interiors, which preserved their historic character, became the new seat of the faculty’s authorities and administration. Touring the building allowed guests to see with their own eyes that it is possible to successfully combine respect for tradition with the functionality of the future.
In the corridor, a historic plaque made by Michał Witaszewski found its new place. photo: Marcin Szmidt
Words that build community
In the Prof. Andrzej Sołtan auditorium, Dean Prof. Jacek Sawicki reminded those gathered that an anniversary is not only a time for memories but also a spur for further development.
“For 80 years, our Faculty has been the heart of innovation, creativity, and passion for technology. This is the place where ideas that change the world are born, and where successive generations of engineers learn courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence,” the Dean emphasized, thanking all those who co-created this history. “Our history is a story of a journey – from the first steps in the era of industrial trust, through the digital revolution, to today’s challenges of artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy sources. Our Faculty was and is a place where ideas are born that change the world. It is here that young people, full of passion and enthusiasm, put their hearts into developing technologies that have a real impact on society.”
Dean Prof. Jacek Sawicki, photo: Marcin Szmidt
The Rector of the university, Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik, in turn emphasized the role of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering as one of the pillars of the university, constantly playing a crucial role in educating engineering staff and advancing technology.
Particularly captivating for the participants was the presentation by Prof. Tomasz Kubiak, “The Vice-Dean’s Dream...”, which revealed the background of many years of work on relocating the dean’s office and revitalising the building. It was a story about determination, cooperation, and vision, in which an enormous role was played by, among others, Prof. Małgorzata Sikora, Milena Domosławska, and Michał Witaszewski – honoured with graphic artworks depicting the team whose work will inspire future generations.
People who left their mark on history
During the ceremony, former deans who helped shape the image of the Faculty over decades were honoured:
- Prof. Marian Królak (1996–2002)
- Prof. Piotr Kula (2002–2008)
- Prof. Tomasz Kubiak (2016–2024, currently a member of the University Council)
It is they – along with the entire community of staff, students, and alumni – who co-create the Faculty’s history, where people are its true strength.
The official part of the jubilee was crowned with a concert by the Górka Pabianicka Brass Band, which gave the event a joyful, festive tone.
History in new interiors
The exhibition “The legacy of Szaja Rosenblatt’s empire for the future of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Lodz University of Technology” also enjoyed great interest. It showcased the rich history of the unit – from its early years, through infrastructural development, to present-day achievements.
Touring the modernised interiors of the building allowed visitors to see the scale of transformation – spaces that gained new functions while preserving the architectural character and heritage of the place.
photo: Marcin Szmidt
A community that builds the future
The 80th anniversary celebrations were more than just a ceremony – they were a gathering of people who, over the years, have created and continue to create this exceptional place. Buildings can be modernised and given a new function, but it is the passion, knowledge, and dedication of staff, students, and alumni that build the spirit of the academic community.
The anniversary and the opening of the Rosenblatt building will forever remain in the university’s history as the moment when tradition met the future. Gabriela Stasiak, Dean’s Office, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering