Poznań’s University of Economics and Business has received the Great Golden Seal of the City of Poznań, recognising a century of education, research and contribution to the development of the city and the wider Wielkopolska region.
The award comes in the university’s centenary year, marking 100 years since the establishment of the Higher School of Commerce in 1926. What began as an institution responding to the commercial needs of a growing city has developed into one of Poland’s established centres for economics, business and management education.
Presenting the honour, Poznań Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak highlighted the university’s longstanding influence on the city’s economic and academic life.
“It is difficult to talk about Poznań’s economic, academic and social development without recognising the role played by the University of Economics,” he said.
He also pointed to its research, teaching and graduates, as well as its ability to respond to changing business needs. The university’s work extends beyond the classroom, with academics contributing expert knowledge to discussions about Poznań’s development.
That relationship is visible across the city, too. The university’s distinctive Collegium Altum tower and its buildings along Aleja Niepodległości and ul. Towarowa have become familiar features of the urban landscape. Its students and staff also contribute to the everyday life of Poznań, connecting the academic community with local businesses, institutions and neighbourhoods.
For Rector Professor Barbara Jankowska, the award recognises the people who have shaped the institution over generations.
“Receiving the Golden Seal is a great honour for our University and a fitting culmination of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Poznań University of Economics and Business,” she said.
“We regard this distinction as recognition of a hundred years of work by many generations of professors, academic teachers, administrative staff, students and graduates, as well as everyone who has helped build our university and strengthen its position in academic, economic and social life.”
She added that the award also symbolises the enduring relationship between the university and its home city, reflecting a shared history and a responsibility for the future.
Today, the university employs around 800 people and educates more than 8,000 students across 29 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, taught in Polish and English.
The centenary year has included events for students, staff, alumni, business representatives and the wider university community. The Great Golden Seal adds a civic distinction to those celebrations, recognising an institution whose history has developed alongside Poznań itself.
For the city, the award acknowledges not only the university’s past achievements but also its continuing place in local economic life, research and the education of future generations.
