171st Anniversary of the Birth of University Alumnus and Academician Mykola Sumtsov: The University Pays Tribute

On April 18, 2025, we mark the 171st anniversary of the birth of the prominent scholar, literary critic, folklorist, ethnographer, educator, and public figure — Mykola Fedorovych Sumtsov.

He authored more than 1,500 scholarly and popular scientific works in the fields of Ukrainian folklore and ethnography, as well as the history of Ukrainian literature from the 18th to the 20th century. Sumtsov played a key role in establishing Ukrainian studies in the Dnipro region. A significant part of his life was connected to Kharkiv (Karazin) University.

In 1907, Mykola Sumtsov became the first professor in Kharkiv to deliver lectures in the Ukrainian language. He was widely known as a defender and promoter of Ukrainian national culture, consistently advocating for the right to use the Ukrainian language in printed publications and in teaching at primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, Karazin University expresses its deep respect for the scholarly legacy of Mykola Fedorovych, which continues to inspire modern researchers, educators, and students. His name is inscribed in the history of the university as a symbol of dedication to science, education, and the preservation of national cultural memory.