On May 31, 2025, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design hosted a truly warm, emotional, and meaningful event — the alumni reunion. This year’s gathering brought together graduates who completed their studies between 1958 and 1988.
The event traditionally began with a formal reception, where alumni were welcomed by representatives of KNUTD's faculties and institutes.
On behalf of the university's Rector, Academician of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Economics, Professor Ivan Gryshchenko, a welcome speech was delivered by Vice-Rector Volodymyr Statsenko.
In his address, he thanked the alumni for maintaining their connection with their alma mater and wished them good health, family comfort, and continued inspiration for future good deeds.
The celebration continued with a tour of the university campus, during which participants had the opportunity to explore art installations that embody the spirit of creativity and the identity of KNUTD.
These included the "Tree of Inspiration in Beauty and Design," unveiled for the university’s 90th anniversary, symbolizing the fusion of art and science; the "Kozhumiaka Monument," honoring the traditions of leather craftsmanship and the historical heritage of Kyivan Rus; and the art installation "From the Visible, Comprehend the Invisible," which serves as a metaphor for transformation and a passion for inspiring work.
Next on the reunion program, alumni visited the university’s museums and cutting-edge laboratories that vividly showcase KNUTD’s modern development as an innovative, scientific, educational, and cultural center.
As tradition dictates, the first stop was the Embroidery Museum, where alumni were immersed in the world of Ukrainian symbols, familial warmth, and creativity. Guests experienced the atmosphere of Ukrainian authenticity and viewed unique exhibits such as embroidered towels, paper cuttings, and traditional pottery.
Lyudmyla Krekhova, Head of the Collection Preservation Department at the KNUTD Scientific and Technical Library, introduced the guests to the symbolism of embroidery as a code of Ukrainian identity. She spoke about traditional patterns, their regional origins, and the spiritual depth embedded in folk art. Special attention was given to the evolution of embroidery — from everyday decoration to a form of modern design expression — highlighting how KNUTD integrates this heritage into students' creative projects.
Gathered around the embroidered “Towel of Unity,” alumni sincerely and emotionally sang Andriy Malyshko’s song “About the Towel.” This touching moment became a true symbol of generational unity, love for their homeland, and gratitude to their alma mater.
During the university tour, alumni visited several specialized laboratories, including the Software Engineering Lab, the Sewing Machine History Lab, the Footwear and Accessories Design Lab, and the Softorg Fashion Industry Sewing Technologies Lab.
Guided tours were conducted by university staff, among them Nataliia Ostapenko — Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor. Professor Ostapenko introduced the guests to the faculty’s key areas of activity, spoke about modern educational programs, international projects, and innovative teaching approaches in the fields of design, fashion, and materials science.
Alumni visited the Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, the Laboratory for Waste Processing in the Light and Chemical Industries, the Laboratory of Advanced Fibrous Materials, and the Laboratory of Novel Materials and Processes in Electrochemical Energy.
Information about the work of these laboratories was presented by Tetiana Derkach — Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Technologies, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor; Vadym Lisovyi — Assistant at the Department of Industrial Pharmacy; Viktoriia Plavan — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Chemical Technologies and Resource Conservation; and Olena Okhmat — PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Department of Biotechnology, Leather, and Fur.
Guests learned about key research areas, including the development of innovative polymers, the creation of microfibers with unique properties, and the production of next-generation materials for the energy sector.
Guests also visited the Youth Business Center.
The oldest participant of the reunion was Oleksandr Bohushko, a 1958 graduate who completed his studies in Automation and Telemechanics. His presence at the event was especially moving for all attendees, as it symbolized deep respect for tradition and an enduring connection with the alma mater that has lasted for over 67 years.
It is particularly heartening that many of the university staff who warmly and sincerely welcomed the alumni during the reunion were themselves once KNUTD students. Today, they not only continue their professional journeys within the walls of their alma mater but also actively shape its scientific and educational environment, passing on knowledge, experience, and inspiration to new generations.
Among them are: Volodymyr Statsenko — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation; Nataliia Ostapenko — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion; Ihor Panasiuk — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies; Viktoriia Plavan — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Chemical Technologies and Resource Conservation; Olena Mokrousova — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, Leather, and Fur; Olena Okhmat — PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Department of Biotechnology, Leather, and Fur; Oleksandr Manoilenko — PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Vasyl Horobets — PhD in Technical Sciences, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Iryna Honcharenko — PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Management and Business Design; Oleksii Volianyk — PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Arsenii Arabuli — PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Fashion and Style.
The tour of the KNUTD History Museum was conducted by Ruslana Mnozhynska — Director of the Museum, PhD in Philosophy, Associate Professor, and faculty member at the Department of Performing Arts and Culture.
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies — addressed the alumni with warm and heartfelt words. He wished everyone good health, boundless energy, family comfort, and peace. Professor Ihor Panasiuk also encouraged graduates to stay connected with the university and take part in KNUTD’s initiatives and events, emphasizing that their experience and presence remain valuable to today’s academic community.
A welcome speech was also delivered by Nataliia Fastovets — PhD in Public Administration, Associate Professor at the Department of Private and Public Law, and Director of KNUTD’s Labor and Career Center. She spoke about how the university maintains intergenerational ties and preserves the memory of the past, honoring graduates whose achievements are a source of pride for the alma mater.
Nataliia Fastovets emphasized that departments actively maintain connections with their alumni — inviting them to participate in career guidance activities, masterclasses, and joint academic and educational projects, and sharing their success stories with students. This collaboration helps build a strong professional community around the university and ensures the transfer of knowledge, experience, and inspiration to future generations.
Volodymyr Statsenko — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, and Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation at KNUTD — highlighted the university’s recent achievements. He spoke about KNUTD’s strong standing in national and international educational rankings, its active involvement in global projects, the innovative development of the academic environment, and the comprehensive digital transformation underway across all areas of university operations.
Guests were shown a short film about KNUTD’s present and achievements, which evoked sincere emotions and pride in their alma mater. After the screening, participants had the opportunity to ask questions, which were gladly answered by representatives of the university administration and faculties, who also shared development plans, new opportunities for students, and current university projects.
Guests left warm words of gratitude and reflections on the reunion in KNUTD’s Guest Book, noting the high level of organization, preservation of traditions, welcoming atmosphere, and the university’s significant achievements.
The KNUTD alumni reunion became a truly warm and inspiring event that brought together people of different generations through shared memories, values, and a deep love for their alma mater. It was a chance to walk once again through familiar hallways, see friends and professors, and relive cherished moments.
The participants left with heartfelt warmth, nostalgia for their student years, and pride in their alma mater — a university that continues to grow, inspire, and unite generations.
See you again at KNUTD!
09.06.2025
