Art, culture and media are significant elements of a full and happy life. They ensure cultural continuity of nations, are carriers of history, values and identity. They are also mirrors that reflects our lives at a given time in history, but they also play a crucial role in shaping societies and even politics. We are proud that some of our alumni are part of the arts and culture world and thanks to their talents and expertise promote science, share their art, and shape attitudes.
Best in the Culture – Art – Media Category
The Chancellery of the 25th Jubilee Alumni prize has selected the following graduates of SWPS University in the Culture – Art – Media Category:
Follow the link to read about the selection criteria »
Aleksandra Litorowicz
is a graduate of Cultural Studies, whose career is a model example for the alumni of this discipline. Aleksandra is a municipal researcher as well as the President and cofounder of the Puszka Foundation, which for the past ten years, has been running the biggest service documenting Polish street art. If it was not for Aleksandra, the FUTUWAWY competition for the best futuristic vision of Warsaw, would never happen. In 2021, the competition enjoyed its 5th edition and attracted thousands of Warsaw residents. Additionally, she cooperated with Instytut Badań Przestrzeni Publicznej (Public Space Research Institute), an interuniversity research organization, founded by SWPS University and the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Additionally, she works with the Bęc Zmiana Foundation as a researcher and editor of Notes na 6 tygodni, a magazine showcasing the latest news on Polish culture. At SWPS University she teaches at School of Ideas, an undergraduate program focused on innovation. She also follows her passion for teaching at Szkoła Architektury Społeczności (SAS), a school focused on social aspects of architecture, where she shares her cultural studies approach do design. In 2012, Aleksandra published a book Subkultura hipsterów. Od nowoczesnej etyki do ponowoczesnej estetyki (Hipster Subculture. From modern ethics to post-modern esthetics). It is hard to list all initiatives Aleksandra engages in. It is even harder to imagine popularization of art in public spaces without her – she has been doing it, very successfully, for the past ten years, spreading around her enthusiasm.
Kaja Wilczyńska
holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Cultural Studies from SWPS University. Not only her academic career, but also her current professional achievements indicate that there are many opportunities at our university for people who apply themselves and are willing to take them. During her studies, Kaja Wilczyńska wore many hats, including the Vice-Chair of MyGender Research Club, a member of the scholarship committee, and a coordinator of the COOLturka section of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). She also helped to organize numerous open days and student events and completed several internships (e.g. at Krytyka Polityczna, the largest left-wing daily in Poland, and Ringer Axel Springer Poland, where she currently works as a producer). Her active participation in many initiatives and excellent grades did not go unnoticed and Kaja was named a Very Important Student (VIS) in recognition of her academic achievements and contributions to the academic and a wider community.
Agata Kiedrowicz
Prior to her studies at SWPS University’s School of Form, Agata graduated with a Mater’s degree in philosophy, which had influenced her interdisciplinary interests. Nowadays, she teaches at the Academy of Art in Szczecin and Collegium da Vinci, where she is the Head of a graduate certification program in fashion and new media. Her work combines several disciplines, including humanities, art and design. She is particularly interested in designing for the senses. She researches sensory practices of artists and designers, and translates her observations into texts and exhibitions. Her articles appear in academic journals and professional publications, such as: Design Alive, Newsweek Slow, Monitor Magazine, and Notes Na 6 Tygodni. Her exhibitions, focused on design for the senses, were showcased as part of the Polish design promotion at various design festivals, including Vienna Design Week, Brussels Design September, Łódź Design Festival and Arena Design in Poznań. She also talked about her experience of designing for the senses during a TEDx Conference, the “Senses” edition.
Sonia Jaśkiewicz
graduated from SWPS University’s School of Form. While working on her graduation project, she made a discovery, which has been occupying her to this day. Sonia discovered the untapped potential of sugar beet byproducts. In particular, she focused on the leaves and beet pulp. Experimenting with these materials, she produced some prototypes of dishes. While testing plasticity and durability of beet pulp, she discovered that although the material was not as strong as plastic, it was sufficient for making containers and flower pots. Sonia expanded her interests while working with an international design collective, Precious Plastic, and a French designer, Marlene Huissoud. In the meantime, her graduation project travelled far beyond the university shows, reaching festivals in Sydney and Beijing. In 2020, Sonia applied for financing to the Puławy Science and Technology Park, which allowed her to launch Waste Lab, a start-up, where she continues her research on beet pulp. She dreams of building her own manufacturing plant that would produce inexpensive, ecological, and biodegradable packaging, which could replace plastics that are harmful to the environment.
Małgorzata Ohme
graduated form SWPS University with distinction and a diploma in social psychology. She also completed a 4-year post-graduate psychotherapy training at MABOR Psychotherapy School (currently DIALOG). From 2004 to 2012, she worked at SWPS University’s Department of Developmental Psychology, where she taught classes in developmental psychology, clinical child psychology, and health psychology. Additionally, Małgorzata was the initiator and co-creator of the “Strefa Młodzieży SWPS” project and worked there as psychoeducator for several years. In 2013, she began collaborating with mass media, popularizing psychology on television. She worked as Editor-in-Chief of different media outlets, including Gaga, a magazine addressed to parents, MamaDu, a portal for parents (Na Temat Group), and the lifestyle section for Wirtualna Polska and Onet. She appeared in television programs, such as Aplauz and Big Brother, produced by a private station TVN and then became a co-host of DDTVN, a flagship morning show of that station. She also hosted programs on TVP2 (state television) and “Okiem Ohme” on TLC. She co-developed and hosted many shows on WP and Onet, such as “Oczami Matki” (Through a Mother’s Eyes), “Jedno zdanie” (One Sentence), and “Onet w domu” (Onet at Home). In 2015, she launched her own online lifestyle magazine for women Oh!Me, which boasts over 2 million users per month. Over 500,000 people follow her on social media. Last March, she launched an online employee support and development platform, which she plans to expand across Europe. Małgorzata authored numerous articles on psychology. She is a renowned and valued expert in this field, a popular journalist, and a mentor for women.
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Distinguished Alumni Selection Criteria
Standing of a university is measured by people who create it. SWPS University’s alumni are a key pillar of our institution. Our 25th Jubilee is a fitting occasion to distinguish a group of 25 acclaimed graduates of our university, as they are the reason why we grow, share our achievements with the world, dream and strive to reach new goals.
SWPS University’s 25th Jubilee Alumni – Society
Activism, volunteering and initiatives undertaken to improve wellbeing of communities are some of predictors of happiness. Solving particular social problems or meeting social needs translate into social influence.
SWPS University’s 25th Jubilee Alumni – Sport
Sport is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity improves fitness and overall wellbeing. The role of coaches and athletes, who promote active living and various sport disciplines, cannot be overstated.
SWPS University’s 25th Jubilee Alumni – Research and Teaching
Teaching and research lie at the core of any university. Academic teachers impact the standing of a university, but most importantly, they are crucial not only in conveying certain knowledge, but in igniting curiosity, motivation, and thirst for knowledge in subsequent generations of students.
SWPS University’s 25th Jubilee Alumni – Business
Business significantly impacts the structure of societies and the way people live. Our alumni recognized in this category have been very successful in developing new products, tools and services that improve lives.