VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas Greetings on the Occasion of the 443rd Birthday of Vilnius University

We are celebrating the 443rd birthday of Vilnius University in the face of a geopolitical crisis. Russia’s aggression and war in Ukraine have shaken the foundations of what Europe and the world have been patiently building for over 70 years. The challenges facing the European security architecture, the international agreements, and humanity, have brought back the already forgotten state of uncertainty and instability. We can respond to this by supporting the people of Ukraine, their efforts to defend their homeland and, at the same time, by continuing our daily work, research and studies.

This year, we are celebrating VU’s birthday modestly but with the hope of a brighter future. Many of us today not only teach, study, and administer but also volunteer. Until 30 June 2022, each employee of Vilnius University will be weekly given time equivalent to ten per cent of their working time so they could engage in voluntary activities aimed at assisting Ukraine with no decrease in salary.

To celebrate the birthday, members of the VU community have prepared a number of events for us and the general public. We want the University to bring together not only the community but also the people of Vilnius. The library traditionally provides an opportunity to see the Catechism of Mažvydas, and at the same time introduces dissertations prepared at the University in various periods. Spectrum Illustration Exhibition in the Grand Courtyard of Vilnius University, Talent Evening, Orienteering Competition, Storytelling Workshop, Science Communication Competition “Science Sprint,” and musical events are just some of the things you will be able to see and attend. Invite your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances to attend the University events, show our historical heritage, tell them about the importance of science and studies.

As every year, we celebrate VU’s birthday not only by telling or presenting academic achievements but also by remembering the dark pages of our history, by correcting the mistakes of the past. With the VU Memory Diploma, we honor people who have been prevented from becoming graduates of our University. With this symbolic gesture, we bring them back into our community, and at the same time, we clear our institutional conscience.

This Wednesday, the Vilnius University Council approved the VU Activity Report for 2021. Despite new and ongoing challenges, we look to the future with confidence. We make every effort to ensure that science and studies remain a priority for the state and that the direction of development outlined in the national agreement on education is maintained.I would like to wish VU a happy 443rd birthday and invite you all to watch a video from last year on our University’s past and present.