The professor, who died almost four years ago, was associated with our university for 70 years. From 1972 to 1978 he served as vice rector. From 1970 to 1973 he was head of the Department of Dental Propedeutics and Prevention. He then became head of the Department of Prosthodontics at the Institute of Dentistry and headed it continuously for 26 years. Professor Spiechowicz was also the author of many book and textbooks, which are still the basis for teaching students and doctors today. His scientific and journalistic achievements are a huge contribution to the development of Polish dentistry.
What the professor did professionally and what kind of person he was, was told at the plaque unveiling ceremony by his student Prof. Elżbieta Mierzwińska-Nastalska, former dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine.
- Prof. Eugeniusz Spiechowicz is an outstanding figure in Polish dentistry, a respected academic teacher, educator of many generations of doctors enjoying great authority. It is worth remembering that he experienced the tragedy of the Nazi occupation and fought for freedom in the Warsaw Uprising. He was a model of conscientious work. He often said: "I always wanted to know more than was required of me" - recalled Prof. Mierzwińska-Nastalska. She also stressed that the professor promoted Polish dentistry around the world.
- He was co-founder and president of the European Society of Prosthodontics. He saw the need and desirability of cooperation with foreign centers. He initiated and coordinated cooperation between our university and the Faculty of Dentistry at Lund University in Sweden. The professor is also credited with establishing the first Interdisciplinary Implant Center in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. The professor was a WHO expert on prevention and a consultant to the World Dental Federation, as well as a member of many international scientific societies. He also served as a National Specialist in dental prosthodontics - Prof. Mierzwińska-Nastalska said.
Professor Spiechowicz was also remembered by Rector Professor Zbigniew Gaciong and Professor Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine.
- Professor took great care to make sure that students could take advantage of what was happening in dentistry in the world, so they could learn about new technologies. He organized trips abroad, which was not so easy in those days. Thanks to him, we saw different materials and technologies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. I participated in such trips and remember them very well - Prof. Olczak-Kowalczyk said.
The plaque dedicated to the memory of Prof. Eugeniusz Spiechowicz was unveiled by Prof. Zbigniew Gaciong, Prof. Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk and Prof. Elżbieta Mierzwińska-Nastalska.
The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jolanta Kostrzewa-Janicka, head of the Department of Dental Prosthodontics, and among the guests were: Prof. Agnieszka Mielczarek, Vice Dean for Education of the Faculty of Dental Medicine, and the family of Prof. Spiechowicz.
