The Absolwent Extra 2025 Gala is now behind us. During the ceremony, we met thirteen winners of the competition for graduates of first- and second-cycle studies as well as long-cycle Master’s programmes, who—thanks to the support of the University of Zielona Góra and their mentors—are confidently pursuing ambitious plans for the future.
The Absolwent Extra 2025 winners are:
Natalia Charowska – graduate of full-time first-cycle studies in Tourism and Recreation
Jakub Bambenek – graduate of second-cycle studies in Physics
Martyna Kacprzak – graduate of second-cycle studies in Logistics
Kamila Polańska – graduate of first-cycle studies in Management
Wiktoria Maria Papaj – graduate of engineering studies in Architecture
Filip Kolasa – graduate of second-cycle studies in Computer Science
Klaudia Kerstan – graduate of first-cycle studies in Jazz and Popular Music
Mateusz Dombrowicz – graduate of second-cycle studies in Arts in the Field of Musical Arts
Jakub Wojtacha – graduate of the Medical Programme
Wiktoria Anna Gawłowicz – graduate of second-cycle studies in History
Patrycja Chwaszcz – graduate of first-cycle studies in English Philology
Marta Kościelecka – graduate of second-cycle studies in Psychology
Omar Lekhchine – graduate of first-cycle studies in Political Science
Detailed profiles of all laureates will be published regularly on the University of Zielona Góra homepage and social media channels.
The university unit that created the Absolwent Extra competition is the UZ Career Office.
"The competition has been organised for eighteen years, although its format has evolved over time. Today it is highlighted, among other things, by a formal gala. Our laureates receive not only statuettes but also financial awards funded by the Marshal of the Lubuskie Region. The selection criteria are broad. The winners represent various faculties and diverse achievements—artists, doctors, engineers. Therefore, academic criteria are not the only ones that matter; social engagement also plays a key role, including involvement in university life and preventive initiatives. Grade point average is just one of several elements taken into consideration," explains Monika Politańska, Head of the UZ Career Office.
A crucial role in selecting the laureates is played by the Faculty Competition Committees. Under the leadership of Faculty Deans, each committee nominates one laureate per academic year.
"Absolwent Extra awardees are our ambassadors, in the best sense of the word. These are outstanding and exceptional individuals—not only because they are or were excellent students, but also because of their involvement in academic circles and extracurricular activities. They also had the courage to apply for this competition. By doing so, they demonstrated their strength of character," says Dr hab. Barbara Literska, Prof. UZ, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Education.
This year’s winners emphasise that the Absolwent Extra title is a prestigious distinction that supports professional development.
"I am extremely pleased to be among the Absolwent Extra winners. In truth, I have been working toward this title since my first year of studies. I dedicated myself not only to learning but also to community engagement. I participated in and organised various events, conferences and activities. It was a lot of work, but learning has always been my passion," says Natalia Charowska, graduate of full-time first-cycle studies in Tourism and Recreation.
"I am happy and grateful for today’s award. It was the Director of the Institute of Physics who encouraged me to apply. During my studies, I took part, among other things, in a project involving the use of artificial intelligence in cardiology. Physics itself fascinates me—especially when it intersects with mathematics," adds Jakub Bambenek, graduate of second-cycle studies in Physics.
The event also included an artistic segment performed by students and graduates of the UZ Institute of Music. Vocal performances were delivered by graduates of Artistic Education in the Field of Musical Arts from the vocal class of Prof. Bogumiła Tarasiewicz and Katarzyna Pusowska, MA. The repertoire included pieces such as "Kiedy Paryż śpi", "Belle", "Вербовая дощечка", "Schody, schody" and "Już nie zapomnisz mnie".
The official Absolwent Extra 2025 Gala was the result of cooperation between the UZ Career Office, the UZ Institute of Music, the UZ Promotion Office, and Radio Index.
