The university has recognized those who go above and beyond their duties. We met the laureates of the Gaudeamus award

On Tuesday, April 14, a gala evening was held in the Jozef Matúš Auditorium, during which we met the laureates of the Gaudeamus award - student personality of the year, which is awarded annually by the UCM Student Council. In addition to the rector Katarína Slobodová Nováková and other representatives from the university and individual faculties, the event was also attended by the chairman of the Trnava Self-Governing Region Jozef Viskupič and the sports shooter and Olympian Zuzana Rehák-Štefečeková.

Six awards were presented in the following categories:

• Contribution to the university: Radka Brilská for her long-term active participation in the UCM Student Council, leading the Tutoring project and contributing to improving communication and support for students.
• Organization of the year: MAP (Minorities & Philosophy) for presenting philosophy from different perspectives, organizing discussions and connecting students with the international community.
• Sports: HIT UCM for long-term representation of the university in top volleyball and significant sporting achievements, including victory in the first women's league.
• Science: Ľubomíra Jurečková for research in the field of biotechnology, publication in major scientific journals and awards for scientific activity.
• Art: Daniil Dolidudko for creating award-winning film and photography projects and successfully representing the university at film festivals.
• Student leader: Pavlína Novosádová for founding and leading the MAP UCM organization and creating a space for discussion, critical thinking and student inclusion.

Examples attract

The award in the Contribution to the University category was presented by UCM Rector Katarína Slobodová Nováková. In her speech, she reminded that a university is not only made up of buildings or formal structures, but especially people – students, who create its real atmosphere with their activity and willingness to do more. Laureate Radka Brilská accepted the award with gratitude. She particularly highlighted her experience in the UCM Student Council, which allowed her to help other students and actively contribute to improving student life.

The award for Organization of the Year was presented by Trnava County Governor Jozef Viskupič. In his speech, he noted with insight that acknowledging student personalities may seem "cheeky", but that is precisely its meaning – it is recognition that comes from one's own community. "As the ancient Romans said, 'Exempla trahunt' – examples attract," he emphasized, adding that the awarded students can be an inspiration to others. MAP representatives were neither surprised nor happy after receiving the award. They particularly highlighted the support of the university and thanked everyone involved in creating a space for discussion, critical thinking, and new perspectives.

The award was presented by the gold Olympian and STVR presenter

In the Sports category, our graduate and gold Olympian from Tokyo 2020 Zuzana Rehák-Štefečeková presented the award. She emphasized that combining top sports with studies is not easy, but it is the university environment that gives athletes the values ​​that they carry into their lives. The HIT UCM team thanked them for the opportunity to develop not only in sports but also academically. "It is a motivation for us to continue and continue to represent the university," they said from the stage.

Ľubomíra Jurečková received the award in the Science category from the hands of scientist and university associate professor Cyril Rejnák. In her thanks, she particularly highlighted the stimulating environment of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of UCM and the importance of personal role models who motivate her to progress and overcome her own limits.

In the Art category, the award was presented by STVR moderator and FMK UCM graduate Michal Cimerman. In his speech, he pointed out that art can name important things even where words are not enough, and plays an irreplaceable role in every society. Laureate Daniil Dolidudko responded spontaneously: "A moment ago, I was standing behind the camera, and now I am standing in front of it." He thanked his colleague, friend and director Vitaliy Ermakov, as well as the university, which he says he loves.

Leadership is not about power

The award in the Student Leader category was presented by the chairman of the Student Council of universities, Patrik Prístupný. He defined a leader as a person who can motivate others not by authority, but by their own example and inner conviction. Pavlína Novosádová admitted that she did not expect the award. She thanked the MAP organization and the faculty for their support and emphasized that without her team she would never have made it to the podium.

The gala evening was also complemented by a cultural program. The opening performance was the student anthem Gaudeamus igitur performed by Ingrid Baginová, followed by performances by the folklore group Trnafčan, dancers from the Dance and Movement Studio Alegria, and musician Pavol Papúch.
The Gaudeamus award once again showed that the university is not only made up of lectures and exams, but above all, people who move it forward with their activity, talent, and determination. We congratulate all the awardees and wish them a lot of energy, inspiration, and further success.