The Inauguration of Rector Prof. MUDr. Tomáš Zima, DrSc., MBA












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            * The Inauguration of Rector Prof. MUDr. Tomáš Zima, DrSc., MBA
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            On the 4th of March, 2014, Charles University of Prague and a number of other academic and

            supporters gathered in a farewell to former rector, Prof. RNDr. Václav Hampl, DrSc. and in
            of our new Rector, Prof. MUDr. Tomáš Zima, DrSc., MBA. Steeped in historical tradition and
            inauguration was highly successful in celebrating these two men and the institution they d

            to. I personally walked away with a proud sense of our flourishing institution’s academic 
            commitment, even as a temporary member of this inspiring community.
                        The ceremony was conducted in the medieval birthplace of Charles University, i

            of the Carolinum which dazzles with its exalting windows, arching doorways, antique organ,
            and more. Its features serve not only beauty however, as they relate the history and meani

            institution that Professor Zima is assuming responsibility for. So too do the symbols of t
            which, ceremonially handed over to Professor Zima, also reflect continuation, growth and p
            future; the seal depicts Charles IV kneeling before St. Wenceslaus and encourages the humb

            Rector, the sceptre renders Zima the messenger of education and freedom, the chain reminds
            Shepard, the ring symbolises Zima’s new role as the faithful ‘husband’ and finally, the ke
            open up the future and proceed in his role.

                        Before we address our new Rector however, it is only right that respect is pai
            Hampl, who was elected twice and has served the university for eight years. In his speech 
            the successes under his leaderships, such as the university’s 33% contribution to research

            Republic, the increase of financing, students and support, the 190 interuniversity co-oper
            bounteous participation in the Erasmus programme, the prevention of privatisation and the 
            of Charles University as a public authority. Nevertheless, Hampl stated that it has not be

            brought his speech to a close by acknowledging all the people who have supported and worke
            triumphs.
                        Returning to the present however, we can take a closer look at Hampl’s success

            Zima. Zima, who has studied at the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and Pragu
            Business School, was entitled a Professor in 2001, the Dean of the 1st Faculty of Medicine
            University in 2005, the Vice-Dean for External Affairs in the same faculty in 2012 and fin

            of the university on January 21, 2014. His CV, which can be found on the Charles Universit
            prolific in achievements and assures us of his commitment to education and ongoing accompl
            his speech of acceptance and thanks, Zima chose his favoured topic of medical and clinical

            and used it as a metaphor for his intentions. He spoke of the beneficial role of biochemis
            humankind through diagnosis and therapy and expressed his wish, ‘to do something similar a
            Charles University…harmonising the relations within our society and in the good of our uni

                        However, Zima was not the only star of the inauguration as President Miloš Zem
            fashionably late due to a tight schedule. Zeman paid his respects and spoke of his vision 
            knowledgeable and reverent society. With the live television cameras in his audience, he a

            opportunity to speak about the Presidential appointment of Professors which only 4 out of 
            in the EU do and his opinion to this practice, and finally stated his commitment to both e
            education.

                        To summarise, the inauguration was a grand event and succeeded in honouring th
            and new, and the integrity of the institution they represent. The traditions were beautifu
            powerful and luckily for a hungry student, the buffet which followed was delicious.