The meeting of alumni of the Ukrainian Humanitarian Institute was dedicated to the twentieth anniversary of the first graduating class. The event was attended by former students of the educational institution, teachers, and representatives of the administration.
The head of the educational complex, Andriy Shevchuk, addressed the audience and noted that if the first students had chosen to believe in UGI and enroll, there would not have been all that is today.
The institute was also visited by the first rector of the UGI, Anatoliy Zhalovaha, who a quarter of a century ago was at the origins of the Christian higher education institution. The Ukrainian Humanities Institute started with three licensed programs and thirty students living in a dormitory. However, it was thanks to these students that the institute gained the right to exist. In his address to the graduates, Mr. Zhalovaha said: “You believed in this project, which was just getting a license, and now seeing your achievements is a great reward.”
Volodymyr Suhonyak, Viktor Alkema, Fedir Prodaniuk and Olena Maiboroda, teachers who have been working at the UGI from the very beginning, also said a few words to their students. They noted the dedication that the first students had, as well as the unity that has persisted to this day and played a special role when the full-scale invasion began. After all, it was then that the alumni community helped many people leave the dangerous areas and find refuge.
It was possible to join the celebration not only in Ukraine. Alumni who are currently living abroad in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and other countries joined the meeting via teleconference. The former heads of the training complex Volodymyr Tkachuk and Vasyl Kostiuk also visited Orlando (USA) for a teleconference.
The graduates had the opportunity to recall their student years and thank the teachers who had worked hard to provide them with a quality education. The organizers also tested the knowledge of former students of the institute by organizing a quiz on the events of those years. A video tour of the UGI territory was also prepared for them, because a lot has changed since its foundation. The alumni also recalled various funny situations during their studies, quotes from their favorite teachers, and shared their achievements, including many who started families after meeting during their studies.
Also, the rector of the institute, Liudmyla Shtanko, announced the launch of a project to equip kitchens for students in the first and fourth dormitories of the institute. Everyone is welcome to join in, and alumni were invited to participate, as they know firsthand how important it is to have a comfortable place to cook. If you would like to donate to improve the living conditions of students, you can do so here.
At the end of the meeting, many of the alumni expressed a wish to meet more often, as the pleasant atmosphere that prevailed at this event was inspiring.
