Ihor Pasichnyk: “Ostroh Academy Diploma is an All-Ukrainian Brand”

June 25, 2016

Graduation 2016 is a grand Master and Specialist diploma delivery ceremony, which took place at the National University of Ostroh Academy on 25 June.

«Ukraine is having difficult times now as the war exhausts our country. Today we are giving it substantial and prominent support. We do realise the price of our peaceful life, opportunity to study and to get high-quality education. Dear graduates, Ukraine needs you now as never before. You were given thorough knowledge and high integrity standards. I hope that you will preserve them in your life and that you will never smirch the honour of your alma mater. Today Ostroh Academy diploma is an all-Ukrainian brand. Remember that kindness, fraternity and love are the most important Christian values. On behalf of the whole Ostroh Academy faculty I wish you great love, happiness, splendid health, God’s blessings and, of course, may your life be as sweet as honey»,

Yesterday they were students, today they have become certificated specialists. Oleksandr Bukhval, this year graduate, says that he has never regretted choosing Ostroh Academy to get higher education at.

«Today we live our moments of happiness and sadness at the same time. The new life that requires willpower, courage, fairness and patience awaits us. We are ready for this. Thank you, Ihor Demydovych, for giving us an opportunity to become keen on Ostroh Academy. I am sure that the knowledge and values acquired here will serve a solid base for our further personal fulfilment. Ostroh Academy is more than just beautiful architecture and modern lecture rooms, it is the spirit of fraternity and unity between students and the professors»,

International students’ anthem «Gaudeamus» sung by the academic choir accompanied the diploma delivery ceremony following the revived traditions of the 16th century when Ostroh Academy was founded.

The graduates were also congratulated by Vice-Rector for teaching and education Dr. Petro Kraliuk, dean of the student and teachers church of Saint Fedir Ostrozkyi Dr. Vasyl Zhukovskyi, archpriest Taras Volianiuk and the Head of Student Brotherhood of the National University of Ostroh Academy Myroslava Klichuk.

«Not only are you special due to high qualification but also due to your high spiritual and moral values, dear graduates. I am certain that in the future you will become leaders that will work for the benefit of Ukraine»,

The solemn vow of the National University of Ostroh Academy graduate was made on that day.

«...before God and all who are present here, with my name and conscience — I promise! To preserve love to my native land throughout my life; to develop and stand for the educational traditions of Ostroh Academy; to serve my people with good faith and fidelity, to give the gained knowledge for their benefit; always to plant the seeds of kindness, wisdom and everlasting values; to serve the truth; to preserve and promote the virtues of Alumni Fraternity and never to smirch the honour of my Alma Mater»,

Following the tradition, the ceremony featured the actors enacting prominent historic figures: Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn of Ostroh (the founder of the Academy), Princess Halshka of Ostroh (beneficiary of the Academy). Students’ dance club had their present for the graduates which was waltz.

Besides, the graduates together with the representatives of the Student Brotherhood clothed the statue of the first student of the Ostroh Academy in a gown.

As a sign of gratitude to Ostroh Academy graduates usually present an icon for the student and teachers church or a picture for the art gallery of the university. However, for the third year in a row they donate the money to support Ukrainian soldiers, as peace and quiet together with saving the lives of compatriots are the best presents both for the university and for the whole country. During the ceremony the graduates gave the tablets they had bought to representatives of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade major Serhii Kviatkovskyi and senior chaplain archpriest Taras Volianiuk who the National University of Ostroh Academy has been co-operating with for a long time.

«Of course our contribution in development of Ukrainian army is of small account. We believe that the day when the skies above our country will be peaceful again will come soon and we will not have to buy equipment for our soldiers»,

Following a good tradition, the graduates together with the Rector made a human chain and walked through Ostroh Academy for one last time.