WEST UKRAINIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

A formal welcome ceremony for first-year students took place at the Maidan of Knowledge at West Ukrainian National University.

Amidst the festive atmosphere of the celebration, which brought together thousands of young men and women, there was a palpable sense of anticipation of great changes to come. This moment resonated deeply in the hearts of the parents, who, overcome with pride and indescribable excitement, watched as their children took their first, conscious step towards adulthood.

The symbolic start to the celebrations was marked by the raising of the university standard. The ceremonial procession was led by the Rector, the Chair of the Academic Council of WUNU, the Vice-Rectors, the Directors of Institutes and the Deans of Faculties, along with invited guests, flanked by members of the university community as they marched along the Maidan of Knowledge. Dressed in gowns and traditional national attire, lecturers and students created a special atmosphere of solemnity, in which the university’s long-standing traditions intertwined with the ambitious ideas of a new generation of students. Their arrival was greeted by thunderous applause from those present.

The honour of carrying the National Flag of Ukraine was bestowed upon students from the Centre for Reserve Officer Training and Basic General Military Training of WUNU. The Ukrainian National Anthem rang out solemnly and proudly over the square, uniting all those present in their love for their homeland. With heavy hearts, a minute’s silence was observed to honour the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders, among whom are our students and graduates.

Oksana Desyatnyuk, Rector of West Ukrainian National University, addressed the first-year students with a welcome speech:

«I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone on Knowledge Day and the start of the new academic year. Today, the university is filled with a special voice — the voice of youth, dreams, new aspirations and expectations.
We appreciate the value of education all the more today, as Ukraine fights for its independence and freedom. We bow our heads in respect and express our gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to all our defenders, thanks to whom we are able to begin the new academic year today.

Dear first-year students! Tomorrow brings new lectures, new friends and new achievements. One day, your degree will serve as proof of the education you have received, but it is your deeds and actions that will show what sort of people you truly are.
I wish each and every one of you good health, strength and inspiration. I wish Ukraine a just peace and victory. Glory to Ukraine!»

This year is very special for WUNU, as it marks the university’s 60th anniversary. This made Knowledge Day even more festive: the university's performers sang an ode to their alma mater, whilst members of the TNG dance company treated the audience to a spectacular ‘WUNU–60’ flash mob.

Taras Pastukh, Head of the Ternopil Regional State Administration, and Serhiy Nadal, Mayor of Ternopil, addressed those present with well wishes. Archbishop Tykhon of Ternopil and Buchach blessed the university community to undertake good and noble endeavours.

In keeping with a long-standing tradition, the final-year students presented their successors with symbolic gifts, passing on the torch of the university’s values.

The celebration drew to a beautiful close with a musical tribute, ‘To You, Ukraine’, performed by members of the ‘For You’ song theatre.

Dear first-year students! May you always be surrounded by wise mentors, reliable friends and people who believe in your abilities. Set yourselves ambitious goals and have the courage to pursue them with confidence. May this first day be just the beginning of a great university journey, which each of you will shape through your own decisions, hard work, talent and dreams. We wish you inspiration, boundless energy and happy student years, and we sincerely hope that your experiences will serve as a foundation for you, and your dreams as a guide to a future of which you will undoubtedly be proud.