Professor Oldřich Richterek, First Rector of UHK, Has Passed Away
Author: Sylva Sklenářová, UHK Archive
On January 24, Professor Oldřich Richterek (1940–2026), a prominent figure who left an indelible mark on the development and history of the University of Hradec Králové, has passed away. He joined the then Faculty of Education in Hradec Králové in 1980, beginning his work at the Department of Russian Language and Literature.
After the Velvet Revolution, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Education in Hradec Králové from 1991 to 1993. Through his efforts, the institution evolved into what is today the university, and in 1992, the former single-faculty institution became the College of Education in Hradec Králové. He was elected its first rector for the term 1993 to 1996, thus becoming the very first rector in the history of the University of Hradec Králové.
During his tenure as rector, construction began on the Na Soutoku campus, and thanks to his tireless dedication in negotiations at all levels, the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the Common Education Facility, today known as Building A, took place on July 4, 1995. Two years later, the building was fully serving its intended purpose: education.
His academic career focused on the history of Russian literature, especially the work of Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, on literary translation, and on intercultural dialogue.
May he rest in peace.
