# Marek Valenta **Wikidata**: [Q123401733](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123401733) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marek-valenta ## Summary Marek Alfred Valenta was a Polish computer scientist, university teacher, and scoutmaster who served as a long-time academic at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków. Over a career spanning nearly five decades (1975–2023), he contributed to the development of information technology in Poland and held leadership roles within the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association. He was a recipient of the Gold Cross of Merit and the Medal of the 70th Anniversary of Polish Information Technology. ## Biography - **Born:** September 21, 1947 in Kraków, Poland - **Died:** November 3, 2023 in Kraków, Poland - **Nationality:** Poland - **Education:** AGH University of Science and Technology - **Known for:** Contributions to Polish information technology and long-term service as a university teacher and scoutmaster - **Employer(s):** AGH University of Science and Technology (1975–2023), School of Management and Banking in Krakow - **Field(s):** Computer Science, Management, Scouting - **Languages:** Polish ## Contributions Marek Valenta dedicated 48 years to the AGH University of Science and Technology, where he worked as a university teacher and manager from 1975 until 2023. His professional activities spanned the industrial and service sectors, contributing to the academic and practical development of computer science in Poland. He was an active member of the Polskie Towarzystwo Informatyczne (Polish Information Processing Society) starting in 1984, an organization central to the promotion of IT in the country. Beyond his academic and professional work in computer science, Valenta made significant contributions to youth development through the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association. Holding the rank of scoutmaster, he was recognized with the Gold Cross "For Merits to the Polish Scouting Association." His impact on Polish culture and science was formally acknowledged through state decorations, including the Silver Cross of Merit (1998), the Gold Cross of Merit (2011), and the Medal of the National Education Commission. ## FAQs ### Q: When and where was Marek Valenta born? A: Marek Valenta was born on September 21, 1947, in Kraków, Poland. ### Q: How long did Marek Valenta work at AGH University of Science and Technology? A: He was employed at AGH University of Science and Technology for 48 years, starting in 1975 and ending in 2023. ### Q: What awards did Marek Valenta receive for his service? A: He received the Silver Cross of Merit (1998), the Gold Cross of Merit (2011), the Gold Cross "For Merits to the Polish Scouting Association," and the Medal of the 70th Anniversary of Polish Information Technology. ### Q: Was Marek Valenta involved in activities outside of computer science? A: Yes, he was heavily involved in sailing and scouting. He was a scoutmaster and a member of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association. ## Why They Matter Marek Valenta played a stabilizing and foundational role in Polish academic computer science. His tenure at AGH University coincided with the rapid evolution of information technology from a niche discipline to a central pillar of the modern economy. By teaching and managing within this institution for nearly half a century, he influenced generations of students and helped bridge the gap between technical computer science and management studies, as evidenced by his affiliation with the School of Management and Banking. Furthermore, his recognition via the Medal of the 70th Anniversary of Polish Information Technology places him among the key figures who sustained and advanced the field in Poland during its critical growth periods. His dual impact on technical education and youth leadership through scouting illustrates a broad commitment to the development of Polish society, combining technical rigor with civic duty. ## Notable For - Serving a 48-year tenure at AGH University of Science and Technology (1975–2023). - Receiving the **Gold Cross of Merit** (2011) and **Silver Cross of Merit** (1998). - Being awarded the **Medal of the 70th Anniversary of Polish Information Technology**. - Holding the title of **Scoutmaster** and receiving the Gold Cross for merits to the Polish Scouting Association. - Maintaining active membership in the **Polish Information Processing Society** since 1984. ## Body ### Academic Career Marek Alfred Valenta was a distinguished figure in Polish academia. Born on September 21, 1947, in Kraków, he pursued his education at the AGH University of Science and Technology, an institution that would become central to his life. He joined the university staff in 1975 and remained there until 2023. During his 48-year tenure, he served as a university teacher and manager, operating within the industrial and service sectors. He also held a position at the School of Management and Banking in Krakow, indicating a specialization that bridged technical IT skills with organizational management. ### Contributions to Polish IT Valenta was a certified computer scientist and a dedicated member of the Polskie Towarzystwo Informatyczne (Polish Information Processing Society), joining in 1984. His standing in the professional community was confirmed when he was named a laureate of the Medal of the 70th Anniversary of Polish Information Technology, an honor reserved for those who have made significant contributions to the history and development of the field in Poland. ### Scouting and Civic Service A native of Kraków, Valenta was deeply integrated into the city's civic life. He was a dedicated member of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, achieving the rank of scoutmaster (harcmistrz). His service to the organization was recognized with the prestigious Gold Cross "For Merits to the Polish Scouting Association." ### Honors and Death Valenta received several high-level state honors. Notably, he received the Silver Cross of Merit on July 13, 1998, followed by the Gold Cross of Merit on September 15, 2011. He also received the Medal of the National Education Commission for his contributions to teaching. Marek Valenta passed away on November 3, 2023, in his hometown of Kraków. He was laid to rest at Rakowicki Cemetery. ## References 1. [Source](https://historia.agh.edu.pl/wiki/Marek_A._Valenta) 2. [Source](https://sph-krakow.pl/index.php/nasza-dzialalnosc/z-kroniki-zalobnej/702-z-kroniki-zalobnej-hm-marek-valenta) 3. Monitor Polski 4. [Source](https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WMP19980320460) 5. [Monitor Polski](https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WMP20111091106) 6. [Source](http://pti.org.pl/Laureaci-medalu-70-lecia-polskiej-informatyki)