On September 24, a group of graduates from the teacher training program in mathematics and physics visited us. They completed their studies in 1970, so we gave them a tour to show how the faculty has changed since then.
As part of this year’s reunion of graduates who completed their studies at the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University (then known as J.E. Purkyně University) in 1970 in the field of secondary school teacher training in mathematics and physics, there was an excursion to the University Campus in Bohunice and the faculty’s facility on Kotlářská Street. Attending the excursion were: Mgr. Eva Hudcová (Klechová), Mgr. Jarmila Menšíková (Surůvková), Mgr. František Novák, Mgr. Karla Nováková (Knotková), Mgr. Miroslav Novotný, Ph.D., and Mgr. Kateřina Schwarzová (Urbancová).
In the Bohunice campus, the group was welcomed by Markéta Munzarová, the Vice Dean for Secondary School Collaboration, Talent Care, Social Affairs, and Lifelong Learning. She thanked them for their lifelong work in teaching and engaged in discussions about their experiences. “I was delighted to meet people who have dedicated their lives to teaching young people in their respective fields and undoubtedly found purpose in it. I thought that greater contact with these seasoned teachers could help turn our physics programs for future teachers into fields that students complete with both effort and joy, and with a sense of purpose,” said Vice Dean Munzarová.
We asked Dr. Novotný to share his reflections on the excursion. He recalls the visit to the faculty with these words: “After a welcome from Vice Dean Munzarová, we toured the campus and learned about its history. We were particularly interested to discover that the idea of building a Masaryk University campus in Bohunice dates back to the 1920s. We were surprised by its vastness, modernity, and the facilities provided for study, as well as the atmosphere that resonated with us there. At the Kotlářská site, we visited physics lecture halls, the laboratory for physics practice, and the Department of Condensed Matter Physics, where we were welcomed by its director, Prof. Dominik Munzar. We were impressed with the modern laboratory equipment, technological facilities, and especially the level of research, which was presented to us through an insightful explanation by Doc. Mikulík during the tour of the cleanroom laboratories. Dr. Jana Jurmanová, who prepared an excellent program for us in the physics lab,” concluded Dr. Novotný.
At the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the guests were welcomed by Director Petr Hasil, Secretary Radka Paliánová, and Assistant Vladimíra Chudáčková. “We also had the opportunity to see the office where Professor Otakar Borůvka worked in the 1960s and the office of Professor Jan Slovák. Both still contain original historical furniture. We also viewed modern classrooms and lounges where students can spend time, study together, or wait for exams,” stated Dr. Novotný.
According to the Director of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Prof. Petr Hasil: “The alumni visit was very pleasant, although unfortunately brief. It was nice to see that alumni have fond memories of our faculty, to briefly discuss what has changed and what has stayed the same since their studies, especially that the core values endure. On the other hand, travel options (and obligations) are different today, and the teaching methods have evolved as well. I hope that our current graduates will also look back on their time here fondly and may one day visit us as well,” concluded Petr Hasil.
The last part of the program was a tour of the library. Tatiana Škarková, Head of the Central Library of our faculty, introduced the group to modern library services, study rooms, and relaxation zones.
“In closing, I would like to express that all participants enjoyed the excursion, appreciated the friendliness and helpfulness of the faculty staff who guided us at their workplaces, and extend thanks to Ing. Barbora Kameníková and Mgr. Zuzana Jayasundera for organizing the visit and guiding us throughout the excursion,” concluded Dr. Novotný.
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