Visit of the US Ambassador to Poland, Mark Brzeziński, at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences
The US Ambassador to Poland, Mr. Mark Brzeziński, paid an official visit to SGGW. The historical ties between our university and the USA as well as the current scientific cooperation with American universities were discussed during the meeting with the SGGW authorities.
The Ambassador was greeted by the Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, prof. dr hab. Michał Zasada. Then, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, dr hab. Marta Mendel presented a scope of SGGW educational and scientific activities, with particular emphasis on the university’s success in the international field.
The US ambassador to Poland emphasized how he appreciates meeting scientists; I just love meeting all the scientists. Great science knows no borders, no matter if you are from Poland, America, Sweden, or Japan. Sharing knowledge about science is something that brings humankind together.
After the meeting with the university authorities, Ambassador Brzeziński met Polish and foreign SGGW students who had an opportunity to discuss different topics, such as the involvement of our country in helping Ukraine.
We (Americans) saw in 2022 Poland’s ability to execute rapid mobilization to help others, thanks, especially to the young generation. The fact Poland was able to embrace the Ukrainian refugees, in fact, millions of Ukrainian refugees into apartments, into houses, to welcome them with open arms – it was a beautiful humanitarian gesture, and shows Poland as a humanitarian superpower, said Mark Brzezinski.
One of the other points of the visit at SGGW was the ceremonial unveiling of a commemorative plaque in front of the 200-year-old American black walnut (Juglans nigra L.). The tree was planted by Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz, a writer and politician, and the owner of the property known as Ursynów. According to historical accounts, Niemcewicz was given a seed of that tree during his stay in America in 1797-1807 by George Washington, the first President of the United States Of America.
Then Amb. Mark Brzeziński and Rector Michał Zasada planted Platanus × acerifolia, the London plane in commemoration of the visit. The tree was planted in the central part of the SGGW campus, in front of Crystal Hall, where the greatest ceremonies usually take place.
During the official visit of the US Ambassador to Poland Marek Brzeziński, the university was also represented by: Vice-Rector for Science prof. dr hab. Tomasz Okruszko, Vice-Rector for Development prof. dr hab. Kazimierz Tomala, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs prof. dr hab. Jarosław Gołębiewski, SGGW Chancellor, dr inż. Władysław W. Skarżyński and dr hab. Ewa Zaraś-Januszkiewicz from the Department of Environmental Protection and Dendrology, Institute of Horticulture Sciences.
