This year’s alumni include 95 bachelors (European Heritage, Visual Design, Media and Communication, World Politics and Economics) and 56 masters (Gender Studies, Visual Plastic Art, Public Policy, Cultural Heritage Development, International Law and European Union Law).
The bachelor’s and master’s diplomas were awarded personally by the Rector of the University, Professor Krzysztof Rybinski.
The ceremony was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, distinguished guests, and friends of EHU.
The ceremony opened with the traditional singing of the international student anthem Gaudeamus.
EHU Rector Professor Krzysztof Rybinski addressed the alumni with a welcoming speech. In particular, Prof. Rybinski noted:
“As you begin the next chapter of your life, I encourage you to retain the invaluable lessons you have learned during your time at EHU. Not only have you acquired knowledge and skills in your chosen fields, but you have also developed a deep sense of empathy, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to justice and human rights. These qualities will serve as your guiding principles in an ever-changing world. You have faced and overcome challenges that have prepared you for the future. You have been taught to adapt, to find strength in opposition, and to strive steadfastly for excellence.”
After thanking the Republic of Lithuania for the academic shelter provided to the University by the government, the hosts invited to the stage Galina Vaščenkaitė, adviser to the Prime Minister on Eastern Neighbourhood and Democracy Promotion. She emphasized the significant role of the educational institution in bringing about democratic transformation in Belarus and the region.
“I wish you control endurance and all the success in your professional careers, in your everyday endeavors, and in your major task in life: to preserve your freedom and to achieve and build free Belarus. Жыве Беларусь!” – Galina Vaščenkaitė said.
Andrei Khodanovich, one of the most famous Belarusian poets and translator, a friend of the Belarusian PEN-Center, as well as an author of numerous collections of poems, addressed the alumni with greetings. Andrei Khodanovich performed the iconic song “Walls,” which has become a symbol of the 2020 Belarusian protest.
“Dear friends, dear colleagues! We face terrible challenges, and I ask you with all the baggage you carry from your lectures, classes, and readings, after your wise exams, which you passed brilliantly – to listen less to the propaganda that divides the world and throws hatred in our faces. Listen more to the culture that teaches people and talks about love in times of hate, talks about our humble duty to be human, sometimes in inhumane circumstances. Let’s be human!” – Andrei Khodanovich said.
During the musical breaks, the famous Belarusian saxophonist, keyboardist, flutist, and composer Pavel Arakelian, accompanied by the band The Outsiders, performed jazz compositions.
During the ceremony, the best alumni of the Master’s and Bachelor’s programs 2023 were announced – Anastasia Selivanava (Gender Studies program) and Antanina Kamelchykk (European Heritage program).
In their speeches, the alumni expressed sincere gratitude to the University and the faculty, family, and classmates, all of whom believed in their success, supported them, and accompanied them through this journey of challenges and overcoming.
As part of the ceremony, an award was held for an outstanding EHU alumna. This year the honorary award was given to human rights activist Nastya Loyko, a 2015 EHU alumna (Master’s program “International and European Law”). Nastya Loyko is a co-founder of Human Constanta; she has been engaged in human rights activities since 2008; for 8 years she worked in the Human Rights Center “Viasna”. On June 20 Minsk City Court sentenced her to 7 years in prison for incitement of hatred. Nastya Loyko was declared a political prisoner. Her friend and like-minded activist Ksenia Maliukova received an honorary diploma for Nastya.
“Nasta Lojka is unquestionably a woman of legend. If all the prizes of the world could be exchanged for Nastya‘s freedom, I would certainly do it. Thank you to those who nominated her. Thank you to everyone who voted for Nasta” – Ksenia shared.