On June 30, 2010, the Wallestein Garden of the Czech Senate hosted the members of the academic community, who gathered to bid farewell to the academic year 2009/2010. The sixteenth installment of the event was organised by Carolinum – Association of Graduates and Friends of Charles University. This year, it was co-hosted by the Senate's Committee for Health and Social Policy, represented by its chair, Dr. Alena Palečková.

As it is usually in this time of the year, this year's gathering saw clouds gather, but was spared from a thunderstorm this time and the Sella terrena was reserved for the speakers. Professor Václav Hampl gave a short speech reminiscing about the past year, titled “That's What We Were”. He stressed the 20^th anniversary of freedom in the Czech Republic and its academic communities and reminded the doctorate honoris causa granted to Adam Michnik, the visit by the Pope Benedict XVI and other significant events. He also mentioned that this year was dedicated to the discussion of the funding of higher education.

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Michal Stehlík, spoke about the Humboldt anniversary and the challenges for future students (in Czech). Mr. Ivan Noveský, chair of the board of directors of the COFET company, gave a speech about the importance of financial literacy as a part of the pension reform.

The whole event was moderated by professor Ivan Wilhelm, Rector emeritus of Charles University and chair of the Carolinum association. Musical accompaniment was provided by the dixieland band of the 1^st Faculty of Medicine.

(Lucie Kettnerová)

Translation: Jaroslav Švelch