Vilnius University Rector Awarded Honorary Doctoral Degree

On the 9th of February in Tbilisi, Georgia, Vilnius University (VU) rector professor Artūras Žukauskas was awarded the honorary doctoral degree by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU).

“I am truly honoured and humbled to accept this honorary doctoral degree from Tbilisi State University. As a 13 yearlong partners, Vilnius University has seen first-hand the growth and development of TSU, and the significant contributions that your graduates have made to the community, the region and beyond. 100 years ago, Georgia and Lithuania were driven by the belief that a free and educated person is always stronger than the hostile circumstances, which often surrounded them. My dear colleagues, accelerate this experience of a centenary into something extraordinary, into something useful, and fruitful.” said A. Žukauskas, accepting the honorary doctoral regalia.

The honorary title was awarded to Vilnius University rector for his active cooperation with TSU and contribution to its internationalization.

Cooperation between TSU and Vilnius University started in 2005 when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Currently, the partnership is implemented through bilateral exchange programs, within the framework of the Erasmus+ program and various institutional projects and individual initiatives. These programs and projects aim to support the mobility of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, university’s academic and administrative staff, as well as promoting institutional and organizational development.

While visiting Tbilisi, VU rector A. Žukauskas also participated in a symposium „Prospects of Higher Education: Recalling the Past and Exploring the Future“, where he delivered a short speech, stressing the importance of keeping Vilnius University up to standards of other European higher education institutions. According to A. Žukauskas, this can be achieved by learning from partners and sharing good practices, as well as staying result-oriented and implementing strong strategic management.

The very first university in Georgia, Tbilisi State University was established on 8 February 1918. In 1989 it was renamed after its founder Ivane Javakhishvili. There are seven faculties and around 22 thousand students currently studying at TSU. The university also offers many bachelor and masters study programmes in English.