Inauguration-2024 at Ostroh Academy

September 01, 2024

On September 1, the National University of Ostroh Academy held the "Inauguration-2024" solemn ceremony to initiate first-year students into students. This year, more than 700 young men and women from all over Ukraine entered the legal successor of the first institution of higher education in Eastern Europe.

The ceremony took place in the university park, following safety protocols regarding martial law.

At the beginning of the event, attendees honoured the memory of fallen soldiers with a minute's silence. The heroes who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine's independence and freedom will forever remain in our hearts. We are deeply grateful to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who make it possible for us to study, grow, and build the future of our country.

"The warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to you, our esteemed entrants. Today, you are becoming students of the first institution of higher education in Eastern Europe — Ostroh Academy. This university's diploma is not just a national but a global brand, recognised on every continent. Ostroh Academy is the only university in Ukraine with the ambitious mission to educate true professionals and citizens ready to serve Ukraine. We form patriots on the foundation of the core values: Christian morality and the Ukrainian national idea,"

During the Inauguration ceremony, 31 first-year students received unique individual tuition fee grants from patrons of the NaUOA and costs raised during the charity event "Give Light." These grants, which cover a significant portion of the student's tuition fees, symbolise the university's support and belief in the younger generation, who will serve as the driving force for the future of our country.

"Today, you join the Ostroh Academy, which Mykhailo Hrushevskyi once described as the 'first centre of new education, new schooling, and new spiritual life.' Ostroh Academy is the tradition that shapes the future! Here, you can touch the source of knowledge, wisdom, and virtues the university offers. We take pride in our young, talented faculty of lecturers and professors who will share this knowledge with you. You are the ones who will build an independent, free, and strong Ukraine because victory is near,"

Following the tradition, the theatrical characters of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi and Princess Halshka Ostrozka participated in the event.

Among the honoured guests at the event were Mykola Zhulynskyi, the Director of the Taras Shevchenko Institute of Literature, Doctor of Science (Philology), Full Professor, Full member (Academician) of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ostroh Academy, Academician of the Ostroh Academic Brotherhood, and an Honorary Doctor of Ostroh Academy; Oleksandr Koval, Head of the Rivne Oblast State Administration; Roman Vasylyshyn, the long-serving protector of the National University of Ostroh Academy, Secretary of the Supervisory Board of Ostroh Academy, and Academician of the Ostroh Academic Brotherhood; Stanislav Serediuk, entrepreneur, philanthropist, General Director of PE "Company Autoland", and a member of the Supervisory Board of Ostroh Academy; Ruslan Tkachuk, Doctor of Science (Philology), senior research officer of the Taras Shevchenko Institute of Literature; Vitalii Undir, Rivne Oblast Council deputy chairman, the NaUOA alumni.

"As I look at you, dear students, I am convinced that Ukraine has a great and bright future. You are studying at a university that makes us proud within Ukraine and globally. You will not only gain knowledge but also learn how to use it to acknowledge yourself as a unique individual, and this is possible only based on a special faith in the future of Ukraine, a high sense of patriotism, and deep responsibility for our state's future. These words should be in your soul every day. You must understand the great mission in front of you. You are the future national elite, nurtured by Ostroh Academy, those who will build Ukraine,"

"I am certain you will remember your first day here because this institution is phenomenal. Now, you are special as well. You are the ones who will not only change and rebuild our country but also correct my mistakes, the mistakes of my predecessors, and even those who will come after me. Among you are future heads of regional administrations, ministers, and presidents. I'd like to thank the parents because you are investing not only in your children but in the future of the country,"

"Dear students! You will study at a wonderful university, where you can gain a high-quality education and become remarkable people in Ukraine,"

"Ostroh Academy inspired me, as a benefactor, to contribute to funding and enhancing educational processes. I believed in Ihor Demydovych, the members of the academic community, and the achievements of the graduates who are building a new history for Ukraine. I wish you, dear students, to come to class motivated every day, to fight for knowledge because the education you gain at Ostroh Academy will lead Ukraine to the victories it deserves in front of God and the whole world,"

"For you, today is not just a celebratory day but a chapter in which you become scholars of Ostroh Academy. It's not just about obtaining a diploma but about the essence of life. You will view all your future actions through the lens of your education at Ostroh Academy, through the deeds you accomplish within the walls of this ancient university. When we overcome the enemy, you will have to rebuild our Ukraine. So, may you embark on a successful journey!"

In the presence of the academic staff and guests, the first-year students took the Ostroh Academy student oath, a solemn pledge to uphold the values and principles of the university. They received a symbolic gift, the Bible, which represents the moral and ethical foundation of their academic journey.

"I have dreamed of studying at Ostroh Academy since I was 14. During the admissions process, there was only one line in my electronic application: 'The National University 'Ostroh Academy,' Institute of Linguistics, English Language and a Second Foreign Language.' I believe we have a unique story of joining. Still, we all share the same finish line today—being here as inaugural students. As the poet Lina Kostenko said: 'Every finish is, essentially, a new start!' I congratulate you all on this start! I think those organising the academic process at the university also feel something special today. I hope this first meeting with the new students leaves only positive impressions and that our future cooperation brings mutual satisfaction. Let's work together and create a bright future for our country",

During the Inauguration ceremony, Ihor Pasichnyk presented the highest honours of Ostroh Academy, "Ukraine-Phoenix-Stork," to Olha Balatska, Candidate of Science (Law) and Associate Professor of the Civil Law Department, and Olena Kurhanska, Senior Lecturer of the State Law Department. He expressed gratitude for their high professionalism and years of dedicated service to the university.

Newly promoted faculty members who have defended their dissertations also took an oath. The academic ranks of Ostroh Academy have expanded to include one Doctor of Science, two Ph.D. holders, and two Candidates of Science.

The ceremony ended with a formal welcome for the first-year students to the "Temple of Knowledge"—the National University of Ostroh Academy. Following this, inaugural lectures took place:

• Mykola Zhulynskyi, Doctor of Science (Philology), Full Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ostroh Academy, and Honorary Doctor of Ostroh Academy, delivered a lecture titled "We Stand for Freedom in Words: Ukrainian Poetry of Resistance."
• Dmytro Shevchuk, Doctor of Science (Philosophy), Full Professor, and Vice-Rector for Research and Teaching at Ostroh Academy, presented a lecture on "Leadership for Ukraine's Future."
• Ruslan Tkachuk, Doctor of Science (Philology) and Senior Researcher at the Taras Shevchenko Institute of Literature discussed "Ostroh Academy at the Origins of New Literature."
• Stanislav Serediuk, entrepreneur, philanthropist, General Director of PE "Company Autoland", and Ostroh Academy Supervisory Board member, lectured on "Motivation as the Primary Means of Achieving Your Goals."