Text of short address given at the inauguration of Rektor Grzegorz H. Breborowicz, M.D. Ph.D.
10 October, 2003

Mr. President, Distinguished Ministers, Your Excellencies of University Leadership, Faculty, Students,
Friends, Guests

In 1993, ten years ago, an English language instruction program began at Karol Marcinkowski
University of Medical Sciences. What a fortuitous occasion! For the first time, English speaking
students from the United States of America, Canada and other English speakers from around the world
could come to study medicine, dentistry , nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy and bio-medical research
at this center of academic excellence; this top ranked Polish medical school in Poznan.

It is exciting what grand opportunities were afforded these young people by the Karol
Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences. Their dreams of becoming physicians, dentists, and
medical researchers have been fulfilled, and they return to their countries to become important and
highly contributing members of their medical and scientific communities.

I am confident that both University and students benefit from this synergistic relationship. We
are very pleased that President Breborowicz has indicated his continued and enthusiastic support for
this program.

A number of Americans are here today to celebrate this special occasion of the inauguration of
the new academic year and Dr. Breborowicz' s new responsibilities as rector of this great institution.

We are professors and advisors in American universities. We advise university students who aspire to
careers in health. We are also in positions of leadership in our professional organization, the National
Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, the NAAHP, an organization of over 1200 advisors
in universities throughout the United States.

Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences has provided a wonderful opportunity for
a number of our students to study medicine at this distinguished and internationally recognized medical
center. We are grateful for the University communities' support of this program.

This is an exciting time for our students to study medicine in Poland; a time when Poland
becomes a new member of the European Union. This will be a time both of great opportunity and
challenge for Poland that will impact its institutions of higher learning in important ways.
This membership in the European community should bring new grant initiatives, research
support and collaboration, internships, student and faculty exchanges and student and faculty
development opportunities.

Today, you inaugurate a new rector, a man who has the experience, leadership, wisdom, and
vision to seize upon these new opportunities. Opportunities that will benefit this great and historical
institution whose history extends to medieval times.

Congratulations, President Breborowicz. We wish you God speed as you take the helm of this
great institution. May you always sail in calm seas.

Thank you very much.
William H. Harvey, Ph.D. Professor of Biology, Board Member, NAAHP, Earlham College,
Richmond, Indiana, U.S.A