On Friday, 25 April 2025, the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) hosted the festive inauguration of its new Dean, Assoc. Prof. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D..
This important event, which combined academic tradition with a modern vision for the faculty, welcomed former deans, faculty members, students, embassy representatives, and other distinguished guests, including the Rector of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
Coronation with Faculty Regalia and Inaugural Addresses
The ceremony officially began at 1:00 PM with the inauguration itself, during which the new dean was symbolically introduced into office through the coronation with the faculty’s unique regalia.
Prof. Patrick Van Damme, who served as Dean from April 2021, reflected on the past years in his speech and wished his successor great success.
Assoc. Prof. Hynek Roubík then presented his vision for FTZ under the motto: "Leading Excellence in Tropical AgriSciences", emphasizing not only the strengthening of international cooperation and research but also a focus on sustainability and greater student engagement within the faculty.
Tropical Coronation and the Faculty Regalia
FTZ’s dean inauguration ceremony is enriched with its own distinctive tradition, reflecting the faculty's tropical focus. It features a special dean’s oath and unusual coronation regalia - crown made of coconut, a golden sceptre made from an antelope femur and golden pineapple in place of the traditional orb, symbolizing hospitality, abundance, and exoticism.
During the ceremony, the newly inaugurated dean also recited the Dean’s Oath, pledging commitment to the stability, unity, protection, and development of the faculty. This unique tradition combines a touch of humor with a proud reference to FTZ's tropical focus.
Planting the Dean’s Tree
Following the inauguration ceremony, participants witnessed the planting of the third Dean’s Tree, symbolizing the continuity of leadership at FTZ. This tradition began with the previous deans – Prof. Patrick Van Damme and Prof. Jan Banout – who also planted their trees upon taking office. Together with Hynek Roubík, they unveiled commemorative plaques by each tree, marking their service as deans of the faculty.
Why an Apple Tree?
Unlike the expected choice of an exotic tree for a tropics-oriented faculty, the new Dean chose to plant an apple tree, and his decision was deliberate:
“For many students coming from the Global South, apples are a rare and precious fruit.
I wanted to create a symbol of sharing and hospitality – a tree that offers fresh apples every autumn to everyone who wishes to pick them.
The apple tree is also a symbol of knowledge and growth – exactly how I see our faculty,” explained Assoc. Prof. Hynek Roubík.
From the Ceremony to Informal Gathering
After the official part, the inauguration continued with an informal discussion with both the current and former deans, where guests had the opportunity to ask questions about the future and the past of FTZ.
The traditional Czech hospitality was fully present — with outdoor grilling and campfire-style sausage roasting. Guests could taste game ragout cooked in a cauldron, venison steaks on the grill, and the South African specialty Boerewors – grilled sausages made from antelope or game meat.
The program also included a fun pub quiz "How well do you know FTZ deans?", where participants could test their knowledge of the faculty’s history and its leadership.
The evening continued in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, turning the inauguration into a lively celebration.
Dean's tradition, academic vision, symbolism — all accompanied the very first day of Assoc. Prof. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D., as Dean of FTZ.
Which direction the faculty will take under his leadership remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his tenure has started in the spirit of openness, cultural bridging, and respect for people and traditions.
