The dormitory and the canteen on Šmeralova Street have a new name. On the occasion of the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy and International Student Day, they have been renamed Josef Jařab Dormitory and Josef Jařab Canteen in honour of the first post-Soviet rector of Palacký University.
The address of the building remains unchanged at Šmeralova 6, the street has not changed its name. In various systems, maps and documents the name of the college and canteen is gradually updated, in Webkredit and Mobilkredit the change will be reflected on 1 December.
Who was Josef Jařab?
Josef Jařab (26 July 1937 in Kravaře – 3 May 2023 in Olomouc), professor of English and American literature, literary theorist and translator, was the first post-Soviet rector of UP, which he headed from 1990 to 1997. He contributed to the fundamental transformation of the university and its growth. He brought many personalities to Olomouc, including the poet Allen Ginsberg, the director and actor Peter Ustinov and the journalist Pavel Tigrid. He summarised his memories in the book Rector's Recollections. A film documentary Homo Academicus Josef Jařab was made about him in co-production with Czech Television. He has received numerous awards, including the Prize of the City of Olomouc and the Prize of the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation VIZE 97. In memoriam, he received a state award from President Petr Pavel and the City of Ostrava Award. The Olomouc Embankment is now named after him. Good to know The street is still called Šmeralova Street. In various systems the name is gradually being updated, in Webkredit and Mobilkredit the change should appear from 1 December.
