"In 1899 Emperor Franz Joseph I signed the imperial decree founding Czech Technique University in Brno. The decree was sent to then Austrian Minister of culture and education. However, when the letter arrived at the office, the Department was already in resignation. This might cause a delay of the decree and thus jeopardize the whole plan to establish the Czech University in Brno. That was why Antonín Rezek Sopened the letter unlawfully, and published it in the Austrian newspaper Wiener Zeitung. When the article informing about the founding of the University was released publically, the Minister in resignation was facing the already decided issue," described his act of courage Alžběta Blatná from the BUT Archives.

Mr. Stanislav Kostlivý - Rezek's son-in-law, remembered in his letter: “The next day the Minister called my father-in-law and without even bidding him a seat, he reproached him wildly. Father-in-law added that the Minister was absolutely right, as what he had done was really bold. However, it was the only way to save the University, which was worth the trouble. "

Professor Rezek sought establishing Brno University of Technology for a long time. For three following years he served as the Minister of Czech Affairs in the Austrian government, later as a member of the Assembly of the Czech Kingdom. His father-in-law was the poet and writer Karel Jaromír Erben, as Rezek married Miss Bohuslava – Erben’s daughter from his first marriage. Tomáš Gariggue Masaryk who also belonged among Rezek's colleagues, helped to find the first professors of Brno University of Technology.

As mentioned in Franz Joseph ‘ Memorial of Czech University of Technology in Brno in the 1911: "It is a pity that the narrow scope of this article does not allow us to portray Rezek’s passionate and tireless work preceding the establishment of this University and the first years of its existence. Each of his words breathed love for the university and all his acts were directed to its prosperity."

The music festival for graduates, students, employees and fans of Brno University of Technology will undoubtedly be the greatest event of the year and will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2019, in the area neighboring with FEEC (12 Technická Street) Under Palacký hill in Brno.

Richard Müller – the singer, will be one of the participants, the names of other musicians will be made public gradually. Visitors can also enjoy the light show. The entire program will be accessible for free. “This day all BUT faculties, institutes and constituent parts will organize an Open Day, allowing the University graduates, friends and candidates to come and see the laboratories and facilities of this largest technical university,“ said Mrs. Renata Herrmannová - the Head of Marketing and External Relations Department.

On the same day, a ceremonial Golden Graduations of BUT 1969 graduates will take place. After fifty years, the BUT graduates can recall their studies including the graduation ceremony. The University is now searching for the graduates of the year when only the Faculties of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering has existed. Those interested in participating in the Golden Graduations after 50 years can apply at: absolventi@vutbr.cz.

The 20th Academic Assembly will take place in November, commemorating the events of November 1939 and 1989. On the same day, the members of the Scientific Council of BUT will award important personalities from the field of science and research with the Honorary Doctorates. "The BUT Dancing Ball will take place on Friday, December 6, at the Brno Exhibition Center. Last year the record attendance of 3,600 guests ranked the BUT ball as the biggest one in the country”, added Mrs. Herrmannová.

It is interesting to know that the founding document of Brno University of Technology, which was signed by Franz Joseph I, has not still been found at BUT. In the BUT archive, the oldest archival material referring to the founding of the University is a Document a few days younger and issued by the Deputy Headquarters in September 30, 1899. "The search for the Founding Charter remains unsuccessful, despite our contacting the Austrian State Archive in Vienna," said Alžběta Blatná – the archivist.

Lacking the most important document has not prevented BUT during the last 120 years of its existence to become a renowned university. “BUT was established as the first Czech technically oriented university in Brno. This is an undoubted proof that technical education has always played a key role in this country, independently on its industrial development. BUT has continued the tradition of technical education in the Moravian metropolis, which was started by the Technical School in Brno 50 years earlier. BUT is not only the oldest university in Brno, but with its number of present students it is also the largest technical university in the Czech Republic. Commemorating the 120th anniversary we remember our predecessors, who never gave up the struggle to create the first Czech University of Technology in Moravia," said Petr Štěpánek, the Rector of BUT.