On Thursday, May 29, 2025, a festive Gala Evening of the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology of the University of South Bohemia was held at the Metropol House of Culture in České Budějovice to mark the 65th anniversary of its founding. The faculty celebrated this significant milestone in the company of nearly 500 guests, including employees, honorary guests, alumni, representatives of partner institutions, secondary schools, and cooperating companies.
The evening was officially opened by the Rector of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Prof. Ing. Pavel Kozák, Ph.D., together with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Petr Bartoš, Ph.D. In their speeches, both highlighted the importance of the faculty within the university and the region, and emphasized its development from traditional agricultural foundations to a modern technological institution. Immediately following their speeches, the premiere of a documentary film about the history of the faculty and its current direction was presented. The documentary received very positive feedback from the guests. (Documentary on YouTube)
At the beginning of the evening, the Dean of the faculty thanked the leadership of the former Alumni Club for all the work, time, and energy they devoted to developing this community. He specifically recognized Ing. Luboš Zábranský, Ph.D., Ing. Petr Kratochvíl, CSc., Ing. Milada Kurfirstová, Ing. Antonín Ješátko, Ing. Josef Hanzal, Mgr. Ing. Miroslav Šimek, JUDr. Dalibor Jirka, RNDr. Petr Podlaha, Prof. Ing. Miloslav Šoch, CSc., dr. h. c., Ing. Karel Suchý, Ph.D., and Ing. Břetislav Kábele. Special thanks went to Mrs. Karla Dvořáková, who took care of the contacts and agenda of the Alumni Club and helped ensure its continued operation and development.
After fifty years, the faculty decided to renew its insignia, which now reflect its current focus and profile. The new gowns and insignia were ceremonially presented during the evening by their creators – Mgr. Tomáš Halama and Mgr. Alena Foglová – and became a significant symbol of the connection between tradition and the modern academic life of the faculty.
During the evening, awards were also presented to individuals who have played an important role in shaping the faculty and its cooperation with partners from both academic and professional fields. The awards were given in four categories: 1) Emeritus Deans of FAT USB, 2) Deans of cooperating faculties, 3) Long-term cooperation, and 4) Distinguished employees of FAT USB. A total of 27 individuals were recognized.
A significant highlight of the program was the ceremonial awarding of the status “Faculty School.” This title was given to secondary schools with which the faculty has long cooperated in education, science and research, and science popularization. The new Faculty Schools of FAT USB are:
- Higher Vocational School and Secondary Agricultural School Benešov
- Higher Vocational School and Secondary Agricultural School Tábor
- Higher Vocational School and Secondary Technical and Automotive School, České Budějovice
- Secondary Agricultural School Písek
- Secondary Vocational School of Veterinary, Mechanics, and Horticulture and Language School with the right to state language exams, České Budějovice
- Secondary Vocational School of Ecology and Food Processing, Veselí nad Lužnicí
The Gala Evening confirmed that the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology of USB is an institution with deep roots, a strong professional background, and an open vision for the future. We thank all guests for their participation and support – thanks to them, a dignified and friendly atmosphere was created, which gave the celebration of the faculty’s 65 years of existence a truly exceptional character.
Documentary about the history and direction of FZT USB on YouTube
Full photo gallery from the Gala Evening
