Today, August 31, Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University held celebrations to mark the Day of Knowledge and the beginning of the new academic year. This year, 3,716 new students from different parts of Ukraine joined the large and successful university family.
Traditionally, the festive event began with the performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine, a minute of silence in memory of those who died in the battles for the sovereignty and European values of Ukraine, and the laying of flowers at the memorial Obelisk of our student, hero of the Heavenly Hundred Roman Huryk, as well as at the memorial of teachers and students who gave their lives for the Independence of Ukraine.
Acting Rector Ihor Tsependa delivered a welcoming speech: “Dear first-year students, esteemed colleagues, our friends, honored guests, and also dear parents who made the right choice by entrusting the fate of their children to the Carpathian National University! We are sincerely proud of you. You are a young generation of Ukrainians who have taken an important step in their lives, choosing the path of knowledge, development, and service to their native state.
Today, in the conditions of war and difficult challenges, you have chosen to stay with Ukraine. This decision distinguishes you, it testifies to your consciousness and to the fact that Ukraine already lives in your heart. You see your future here, at home, and this is extremely important. It is thanks to you that we are sure: Ukraine has a future!
An extraordinary journey awaits you ahead – the years of student life. This is a time of discoveries, friendship, joy, but at the same time serious work. You must be thirsty for knowledge, ask questions, seek answers and inspire us, the teachers, giving you the most valuable – your experience and wisdom. Because the main success of the university is your success.
Our task is to raise a new generation of Ukrainians who will be not only high-level professionals, but also true citizens who feel the need to give their knowledge and strength to the state.
Carpathian National University has a glorious history and traditions that we are proud of for over 85 years. These are traditions of service to Ukraine, Christian morality and spiritual values. In the most difficult periods of Ukrainian history, it was our students and graduates who were always among the first to defend the state, its language and culture.
Today we continue to form a university that not only provides knowledge, but also educates individuals who are able to think critically, make responsible decisions, and create a new Ukraine. Dear freshmen! I congratulate you on the beginning of this great journey. May the years of study become for you a time of discoveries, true friends, and unforgettable impressions. And most importantly, a time of formation of your personality and your mission in life. Glory to Ukraine!
The Deputy Mayor of the city, Svyatoslav Nykyrovych, and the Director of the Department of Education and Science, Viktor Kimakovych, also delivered congratulatory remarks. They wished the students inexhaustible energy in their studies, faith in their own strength, creative success, and unwavering love for Ukraine.
The head of the university’s student senate, Viktoria Savchyn, and the head of the student and graduate student union, Ivan Khomyak, urged first-year students to “actively participate in student life, reveal their talents, defend their own position, and together create a strong university community.”
During the event, Acting Rector Ihor Tsependa signed an order to enroll first-year students and personally presented report cards to the ranking leaders from various faculties, which became their first important student document.
Newly graduated students took the Freshman Oath.
After that, a solemn ceremony of consecration of honorary professors took place. The title of Honorary Professor of the University was awarded to the Director General of the State Enterprise “Carpathians” Dmytro Vterkovsky, the Head of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Organization of the National Union of Local History Scholars of Ukraine Mykhailo Kosylo, and Ukrainian figure and philanthropist Ihor Oliynyk.
Also as part of the celebration, the best students of the university received scholarships from the Oriental Studies Foundation in the amount of $500.
For active participation in the production of tactile icons, certificates were awarded, in particular, to the first-year master’s student in the “Environmental Design” specialty – Valentyn Tupal.
The celebration ended with a vibrant Student Fest, which included interactive dating zones, musical performances by student youth, and photo zones.
