“On behalf of the Senate of the University of Warsaw, it is my great honour to express our gratitude to Professor Andrzej Koźmiński for his immense contribution to science, research and education,” said Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, UW Rector, during the official conferring of the title of doctor honoris causa of the University of Warsaw. The ceremony was held on 16th February in the Senate Hall of the Kazimierzowski Palace.

The resolution to grant the title of doctor honoris causa of the University of Warsaw to Professor Andrzej Koźmiński was adopted on 19th January 2022 by the UW Senate. The request to award the honorary title was issued from the Faculty of Management, University of Warsaw. The DHC adviser was Professor Beata Glinka. Prof. Koźmiński’s professional achievements were reviewed by: Professor Marian Gorynia from Poznań University of Economics and Business, Professor Andrzej Rychard from the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Polish Academy of Sciences, and Professor Eric Cornuel from HEC Graduate School of Management.

The ceremony was held on 16th February in the Kazimierzowski Palace, the University of Warsaw campus at Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. The event was attended by almost 150 guests, including rectors and vice-rectors of Warsaw academic institutions, and representatives of scientific centres in Poland and abroad.

“In each academic centre I visited, and which had been visited by Prof. Koźminski, I used to listen to words of respect, gratitude and goodwill when talking about him. With such attributes as wisdom, nobleness and tolerance, he fulfils the mission of the University of Warsaw. Professor Koźminski has been supporting numerous young scientists in their career, to develop and expand. With great honour I am now expressing our gratitude to everything he has contributed to, in science and education,” said Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, UW Rector.

Beyond the set patterns

Professor Andrzej Koźmiński was born in 1941, Warsaw. In 1963, he graduated in economics, the Central School of Planning and Statistics. In 1964, he completed the sociology studies at the University of Warsaw. At the age of 24, he obtained the doctoral degree in the Central School of Planning and Statistics. Three years later, he held the position of assistant professor (doctor habilitowany) at the University of Łódź. In 1983, he attained the title of professor in economic sciences. He was employed at the University of Warsaw within 1973–2000. In the period of 1981–1987, as a dean of the UW Faculty of Management, he largely contributed to its development. He was the first democratically elected dean of the Faculty, and remained on that position when the martial law was declared in Poland. He used to defend the students who suffered oppression for their opposition activities.

As Prof. Beata Glinka, the UW Faculty of Management said, “Prof. Koźmiński shows himself as an outstanding scientist with immense scientific achievements in a number of disciplines, a practical manager, a man of remarkable interests and background. In his works he deals with problems, independently of the field they concern. His bravery pushes him beyond the set patterns.”

“Prof. Koźmiński is a Renaissance man, knowledgeable and proficient, and exceling in science. He is perceived one of the most eminent figures in the history of Polish management sciences. Further, his accomplishments in economics and sociology are highly valued and estimated. As a scientist, he mainly concentrates on three fields, such as leadership, sustainable development, and economic imagination,” Prof. Glinka added.

“This ceremony proceeds in a very special time. Prof. Andrzej Koźmiński is a co-founder of the Faculty of Management of the University of Warsaw. This year the UW Faculty of Management will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Prof. Koźmiński is one of the best known economists whose scientific achievements are highly appreciated in Poland and abroad. He is also a sociologist specialising in management and political transformation,” said Prof. Grzegorz Karasiewicz, dean of the UW Faculty of Management.

The dignity of the university

“I am deeply grateful and honoured for this recognition. It is the highest dignity that a weary wanderer can encounter on his academic way. I have been honoured by the academic community, which preserves their priceless values while facing most unfavourable circumstances. The values that Professor Kazimierz Twardowski, the founder of the Lvov-Warsaw School, described as ‘the special dignity of the university’. Being part of this community through numerous years makes me incredibly proud,” said Prof. Andrzej Koźmiński.

Prof. Andrzej Koźmiński delivered a lecture on leadership in a time of pandemic.

“For many years I have been wondering about the reasons of the outstanding position of the University. Finally I have concluded that leadership is the key factor. In both the direct sense of the word, and figuratively, ‘leadership’ is challenged enormously nowadays,” Prof. Koźmiński emphasised.