Meeting of the Assembly of Academic Councils and a Ceremonial Concert of Works by Outstanding Karazin Scholars on the Occasion of the 220th Anniversary of the University's Founding

Karazin University is not just an institution of education and science; it is a symbol of unity, resilience, and indomitability. For centuries, it has united talented individuals who strengthen Ukraine with their knowledge, dedication, and hard work. Even in the most challenging times, amid the trials of war, Karazin students and faculty continue to shape the future, reinforcing the country with their intellect, research, and innovative ideas.

To mark the 220th anniversary of the university's founding, a meeting of the Assembly of Academic Councils was held at the Mykola Lysenko Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. The event was attended by university leadership, faculty members, students, friends of the university, and distinguished guests.

The event began with a welcome speech by Rector Tetyana Kaganovska:
"We are all working under extremely difficult wartime conditions that have affected each of us. Despite this, the university not only preserves its identity but also multiplies its many achievements. Our faculty and students are engaged in developments that save lives both on the front lines and beyond. Our university remains a center of innovation and decision-making crucial for the country. Our students and staff actively participate in volunteer activities. Our mission is to preserve and strengthen Ukraine for future generations."

A congratulatory address from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was read by Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Olena Kovalska:
"Today, as our country fights a bloody battle against the russian occupier, tens of thousands of students are receiving a high-quality education within the university’s walls. I am confident that your scientific potential will be one of the key factors in our victory over the aggressor country, in the rapid post-war recovery, and in the future development and prosperity of Ukraine. Science, like the army, diplomacy, and information, is a force that brings us closer to the successful completion of this war and the establishment of a just peace. I sincerely thank you for your patriotism, dedication to your work, professionalism, and resilience in the face of today’s wartime realities. I wish you good health and new achievements for the sake of our homeland. Glory to Ukraine!"

Olena Kovalska personally thanked the university’s scholars, faculty, and students, emphasizing that they are holding the frontline of Ukraine’s future, as the university plays a crucial role in encouraging young people to stay and develop in Ukraine.

By decree of the President of Ukraine, Karazin University representatives were awarded state honors for their significant contributions to strengthening Ukrainian statehood, their substantial personal input in various spheres of public life, and their diligent professional service:

The Order of Princess Olha, 2nd Class was awarded to University Rector Tetyana Kaganovska. The honorary title of "Distinguished Scientist and Technician of Ukraine" was awarded to Professor Viacheslav Beresnev of the Institute of Physics and Technology. The honorary title of "Distinguished Educator of Ukraine" was awarded to Professor Valerii Lisovskyi of the Institute of Physics and Technology.

On this occasion, the Karazin community received a video message from the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk:
"The university has gifted the world a galaxy of outstanding individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the development of science and society. This is a great achievement of generations of educators, students, and staff who, through their daily hard work, have significantly contributed to the advancement of education and science in our country. I fondly remember my time working at Karazin University. I sincerely thank everyone who is part of this university community for preserving and enhancing the university's legacy, even in the most challenging times for our country."

Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi, also extended his congratulations:
"We are fighting an incredibly difficult and large-scale war, but at the same time, we are thinking about and investing in the future. Today, the investments coming into Karazin University are aimed at fostering a new generation of chemists, biologists, and medical professionals. This is incredibly important. It demonstrates our faith in the future. It means we will definitely win!"

For their initiative, persistence, high professionalism, dedicated service, and significant contributions to the development of education and science in Ukraine, the Minister presented honorary certificates, commendations, and awards from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine to Karazin University staff.

Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, congratulated the Karazin community on the university’s anniversary and wished it many more years of prosperity. He awarded honorary certificates and commendations from the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration and the Kharkiv Regional Council for diligent and productive work, high professionalism, and significant personal contributions to the development of education and science.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov emphasized that thanks to Karazin University, the heroic city of Kharkiv is the intellectual capital of Ukraine. He expressed gratitude to the university community and presented honorary certificates from the Kharkiv City Council and commendations from the mayor.

During his congratulatory speech, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Chairman of the University’s Supervisory Board, Honorary Doctor, and Karazin University graduate Anatolii Zahorodnii presented awards from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to:

The Labor Collective of Karazin University, Rector Tetyana Kaganovska, Adviser to the Rector, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kharkiv Karazin University Foundation, Academician Vili Bakirov, and others.

Warm congratulations and words of gratitude were also expressed by Members of Parliament of Ukraine Viktoria Kinzburska and Yevhen Pyvovarov, Acting Head of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office Volodymyr Lymar, Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Volodymyr Buhrov, Rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University Ihor Tsependa, Rector of Sumy State University Vasyl Karpusha, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of Kharkiv Region, Rector of Semen Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics Volodymyr Ponomarenko, and General Director and Artistic Director of the Mykola Lysenko Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Igor Tuluzov.

They presented honorary certificates, commendations, awards, and gifts from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Sumy State University, Semen Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, the Council of Rectors of Kharkiv Region, and the Mykola Lysenko Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. In total, more than 80 Karazin University representatives were honored.

Karazin University’s Honorary Doctors, Serhii Zhadan and Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, also joined in congratulating the university community.

The festive event was accompanied by artistic performances from the Karazin Orchestra and the Ad Libitum Academic Choir of Karazin University. Works by distinguished Karazin alumni were performed by honored artists of Ukraine, international competition laureates, and opera soloists.

The Assembly of Academic Councils concluded with the solemn performance of "Prayer for Ukraine" by the choir of the Kharkiv National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The strength of Karazin University is not only the result of its long history and the hard work of talented individuals but also the support of friends, partners, and the country's leadership. Together, we shape science, education, culture, and national identity, defining Ukraine’s future.

We express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supports Karazin University during these turbulent times, helping preserve its greatness and contributing to its continued development. We thank the authorities for their support and openness to dialogue. It is through this unity that we confidently move forward, strengthening Ukrainian science and education together.