Karazin University Marks the 221st Anniversary of Its Solemn Opening

Ceremonial events marking the 221st anniversary of the opening of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University — one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in Ukraine — were held in Kharkiv.

The celebration brought together the Karazin academic community, representatives of national and local authorities, Members of the Parliament of Ukraine, members of the Supervisory Board, distinguished guests, alumni, and partners of the university. The event opened with a musical greeting by the Karazin Orchestra and the performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine. Those present honored the memory of fallen defenders of Ukraine and civilian victims of the war, including university faculty members, students, and alumni, with a minute of silence.

As part of the ceremony, a video presentation highlighting the key achievements of Karazin University in 2025 was shown. Despite the war and challenging circumstances, the university continues to develop, preserve its scientific schools, fulfill its social mission, and strengthen its presence in the international academic arena.

Rector of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Tetyana Kaganovska addressed the Karazin community with a welcoming speech. She emphasized that amid the full-scale war, the university’s anniversary takes on special significance as a moment of recognizing responsibility to the city, the region, and the country.

“For more than two centuries, Karazin University has remained an intellectual space where thought, character, and responsibility are shaped. We stood together during the most difficult moments in history, and today we continue to stand together here in Kharkiv,” the Rector noted.

She stressed that, honoring the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine, among whom are members of the Karazin community, the university recognizes its responsibility to work in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice. She also emphasized that Karazin University continues to fulfill its core mission — serving society through education, science, and knowledge.

The Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, also addressed the university community. He expressed gratitude to the defenders of Ukraine, thanks to whom Kharkiv and the region are able to live, work, and plan for the future despite constant shelling.

“We must be strong, because only the strong are taken into account. It is thanks to the unity of the city and the region, and the support of the state authorities, that Kharkiv is holding on and continues to live. Even under such difficult conditions, you not only preserve the university but also speak about development, projects, and educating young people. We will always stand by you and support these initiatives,” Oleh Syniehubov emphasized.

Within the framework of the celebrations, speeches and greetings were also delivered by Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv for Strategic Development Dmytro Isaiev, Member of Parliament of Ukraine Viktoriia Kinzburska, and a serviceman whose name has become legendary—Hero of Ukraine, member of the Supervisory Board, and university alumnus, Colonel Dmytro Kashchenko. Video greetings were addressed to the Karazin community by writer and artist, volunteer, serviceman of the National Guard of Ukraine, and Honorary Doctor of the University Serhii Zhadan, as well as entrepreneur and volunteer, member of the Supervisory Board, and university alumnus Yurii Sapronov. They emphasized the exceptional role of Karazin University as Kharkiv’s intellectual magnet and its importance for the development of the city, the region, and the entire country.

During the event, faculty members and university staff were honored with awards from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Kharkiv Regional and City Councils, and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for their high professionalism, dedicated work, and significant contribution to the development of education and science.

The ceremonial program concluded with musical performances by the university choir Ad libitum and the Karazin Orchestra.

The 221-year history of Karazin University is a path through trials, losses, and victories, but above all, it is the story of people who, through their daily work, uphold the resilience of the university, the city, and Ukrainian education and science.