On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the ceremonial Gala Evening of the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology of the University of South Bohemia took place at the Metropol Cultural House in České Budějovice, celebrating the 65th anniversary of the faculty’s founding. This significant milestone was commemorated in the company of nearly 500 guests, including faculty staff, honorary guests, alumni, representatives of partner institutions, secondary schools, and collaborating companies.
The evening was officially opened by Rector of the University of South Bohemia, prof. Ing. Pavel Kozák, Ph.D., together with Dean of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Petr Bartoš, Ph.D. In their speeches, they emphasized the faculty’s importance within the university and the region, and highlighted its evolution from traditional agricultural foundations to modern technological advancements. Immediately following their addresses, a documentary film about the history and current direction of the faculty premiered and received highly positive feedback from attendees.
At the beginning of the evening, the Dean expressed gratitude to the former leadership of the FAT USB Alumni Club for their dedication, time, and energy invested in developing this community. He specifically acknowledged:
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 were given to Ms. Karla Dvořáková, who managed alumni contacts and administration, helping to ensure the club’s continuity and growth.
After fifty years, the faculty decided to update its academic insignia to better reflect its current focus and identity. The new robes and insignia were officially presented during the evening by their designers – Mgr. Tomáš Halama and Mgr. Alena Foglová – and have become a powerful symbol of the union between tradition and modern academic life.
During the event, awards were also presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to shaping the faculty and fostering cooperation with academic and professional partners. Awards were given in four categories: 1) Former Deans of FAT USB, 2) Deans of Partner Faculties, 3) Long-Term Cooperation and 4) Distinguished Employees of FAT USB. A total of 27 individuals were honored.
A major highlight of the evening was the official awarding of the title “Faculty Partner School.” This designation was granted to secondary schools that have maintained long-term cooperation with the faculty in education, science, research, and science popularization. The newly named Faculty Partner Schools of FAT USB are:
- Higher Vocational and Secondary Agricultural School, Benešov
- Higher Vocational and Secondary Agricultural School, Tábor
- Higher Vocational and Secondary Automotive and Technical School, České Budějovice
- Secondary Agricultural School, Písek
- Secondary Vocational School of Veterinary, Mechanization, and Horticulture and Language School with State Exam Rights, České Budějovice
- Secondary Vocational School of Ecology and Food Industry, Veselí nad Lužnicí
The Social Evening confirmed that the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology of USB is an institution with deep roots, strong professional foundations, and a forward-looking vision. We sincerely thank all guests for their participation and support – it was their presence that helped create a dignified and friendly atmosphere, giving the 65th anniversary celebration its exceptional character.
🎬 Documentary about the history and direction of FAT USB on YouTube
📸 Full photo gallery from the Social Evening
📸 Photography by Jiří Tvaroh