With faith in the future and Victory, the new academic year began at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.
Today, everyone has the same goal: Victory, and it is achieved not only on the battlefield. Education today is the foundation of all current and future achievements.
The young people who volunteered to storm the heights of science in the midst of war and took the first step by entering KNUTD are already winners. Stepping onto the university grounds, they saw how exciting and interesting student life would be. The feeling of celebration came to the freshmen even before the initiation ceremony (we pay tribute to those who managed to organise it in the conditions of war!) - it was awakened by the design of the University territory. After all, everything here is poetically sublime and filled with meanings. Every step of the way, there is an art composition and a meeting with a wise interlocutor invited here by creative and talented artists. Thanks to them, even without crossing the threshold of the University, you feel that it is a temple of wisdom and knowledge.
What is not a step is a stop to go deeper into oneself. The impression is that one has entered the temporal world of spiritual elevation. For some, its epicenter is the composition "Inspiration in Beauty and Design". For others - "Know the Invisible from the Visible." And for some, the Alley of internationalization of education is a special symbol of the educational space of the planet. Here you realise that you have entered a world-class university.
Emotional elevation is confirmed by the achievements of KNUTD. It is included in the TOP-100 most prestigious design and pharmaceutical schools in the world. The University was included in the QS International Ranking from among 400 universities out of 3,300 applicants from the countries of Eastern Europe and Asia. KNUTD was the first among universities of Ukraine to start exporting educational products by opening the Ukrainian Institute in China. Manufacturers recognize KNUTD as the industry leader. And also...
During the war, KNUTD strengthened its activities in all directions! Difficulties are seen here as new opportunities for development. Everything that is created, produced, researched here also brings victory closer.
So, they started the Day of Freshmen Initiation with words of sincere gratitude to the soldiers who defend the Motherland.
Ivan Gryshchenko, Rector of KNUTD, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, addressed the participants of the celebrations first:
Dear freshmen!
On behalf of the University team, I congratulate you on the realization of your dream; I believe that you have chosen your specialty according to your calling. I am convinced that you are not only persistent, far-sighted, but also wise. Because a dream gives wings, and in order to soar with them, you need to study. So let’s work together.
You were destined to enter the temple of science at a difficult time for the state in general, and for each of us in particular. The war continues. So today, our joint word of thanks is to the soldiers who defend our Motherland, give us the opportunity to study, work, and live. Among them are graduates and employees of the University. Unfortunately, we have losses. Please honor their feat with a moment of silence...
The front is held not only by soldiers, but also by the products of our University. You will get to know them. I am sure that you will join in replenishing their range over time. We expect this from you.
Today, you are freshmen, and believe me, this is the happiest time of your life. For many, receiving a diploma will almost coincide with the 100th anniversary of KNUTD. Its history is an integral part of the history of the state. So you accept the baton, glorified by labor, scientific and educational achievements.
Please note: not only the flag of Ukraine flies proudly on the territory of the University, but also the flag of the European Union and almost thirty countries of the world whose ambassadors study here. Our University is among the TOP-100 most prestigious design and pharmaceutical schools on the planet.
We believe: you will multiply the long-term gains.
Work! The state has high hopes for you.
Make every effort to make your dream come true. To the joy of you, your parents and the country. You are representatives of the cohort of winners. Demonstrate it with daily work. There is no time to relax. A good start is half the success. From this moment, the countdown to the realization of your dream began. Good luck on your way to happiness!
The host of the ceremony, Liudmyla Ardelyan, Honored Artist of Ukraine, Associate Professor of the Department of Performing Arts, gave a congratulatory speech. Sincere wishes were also expressed by the guests who honored the University on this solemn day: Vasyl Kremen, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KNUTD, President of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor; Petro Bahriy, member of the Supervisory Board of KNUTD, president of the Association "Drug Manufacturers of Ukraine", the founder of the Development Promotion Fund of the National Art Museum of Ukraine, an honorary academician of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine.
The ceremony was attended by: Ihor Polovnikov, member of the Supervisory Board of KNUTD, president of the Ukrainian Academy of Technology, honored worker of science and technology of Ukraine; Anatoly Palamarenko, member of the Supervisory Board of the University, People's Artist of Ukraine, laureate of the National Prize named after T. Shevchenko, Hero of Ukraine, Professor; Vadym Kryshchenko, People's Artist of Ukraine, Honored Artist of Ukraine, Professor of KNUTD; representatives of the Educational Investment and Technology Cluster of Light Industry in Kyiv: Liudmyla Ivanova, director of Dana-Moda LLC; Valery Rybas, director of TK-Fornitura LLC; Andriy Prokhorovsky, director of RA.DA LLC; Oleh Pivovar, director of Scientific and Production Company "Hydrostyle" LLC; stakeholders of the University: Tetiana Izovit, president-chairman of the board of the "Ukrlegprom" Association; Golda Vynogradska, founder and owner of TM "Golda", head of the public union "Fashion Globus Ukraine", vice president of the Confederation of Designers and Stylists of Ukraine; Taras Prytula, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Softorg, Ivan Skorokhodov, Director of Research and Innovation at Softorg, and 4th-year students Maria Maisak and Dmytro Davidyuk.
The guiding opinion of all speakers – KNUTD is the leader of domestic education and the fashion industry. Ukraine will win; the University makes a significant contribution to the triumph of good over evil. The wishes for first-year students are to work in such a way as to increase the work of the KNUTD and the power of the state, to acquire such knowledge as to be successful in life and in the reconstruction of post-war Ukraine.
Not only teachers, but also partners of the University will assist students in achieving this lofty goal. In particular, on the eve of the new academic year, entrepreneur Yevhenii Tolchynin-Burunskyi equipped the KNUTD co-working space with marketing technologies. This is a kind of evaluation of the work of the University, thanks for the contribution to the development of education in Ukraine.
The musical accompaniment of the solemn events at KNUTD by the Ukrainian Academic Folklore and Ethnographic Ensemble "Kalyna" added a unique atmosphere to the event. The "Kalyna" ensemble unites three main areas of Ukrainian art: folk music, folk song, and choreography. Every sound was filled with the spirit of Ukrainian culture, reminding everyone present of the richness and greatness of our traditions. This musical accompaniment not only highlighted the importance of national heritage, but also united everyone in a sense of community and pride in our roots. The melodies played during the event created a unique mood, filling the hearts of the guests with warmth and positive energy. The atmosphere of the event became truly unforgettable, and each participant felt like a part of a large Ukrainian family.
This event was another testimony that even in the most difficult times, education remains one of the key factors that shape the future of our country; the light of knowledge will overcome the darkness. The fact that, despite all the difficulties of the martial law, despite the nightly air raids, the freshmen initiation ceremony took place is a contribution to the great victory. The gathering of the University family inspires, affirms our spirit, indomitability, strength and unity.
A lot of thanks to everyone who was with us! We are proud of our team! And we start the academic year with this incredible, bright, powerful energy!
Together to our Victory!
Mykola PETRUSHENKO
04.09.2024
