Stars are born: Graduation prom held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
Today, June 23, the square of the university flag of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno became the epicenter of beauty and ambition. The traditional university ball brought together hundreds of talented graduates to brightly celebrate the end of the academic year and the start of a new chapter in their lives. Not only teachers and the administration of their alma mater gathered to congratulate the young stars, but also honored guests and parents.
For many years, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno has maintained this good tradition – inviting the best graduates of the university to the Rector's Ball and seeing them off into adulthood.
This year, YKSUG has 2,211 students, of which 1,805 are full-time students and 406 are part-time students, and among them are true talents. The hundreds of young people gathered at the ball can rightfully be called the "golden fund of the university" – these are laureates of various awards for achievements in science, prize-winners of sports competitions and winners of creative contests.
The official ceremony was opened by Iryna Kiturka, Rector of YKSUG. With emotion and pride, she addressed the graduates:
– Today is truly a great celebration. A celebration for each of you personally, for your families, and a great celebration for our university. Today is the milestone when we do not say goodbye to you, but see you off into independent life. Throughout these four years, we taught you not only to master the science of your profession, but together with you we tried to identify, reveal and realize your potential. Four years ago, we met you as first-year students at your first lecture "University of Your Opportunities," and then I told you: "be bold, dare, do not stay on the sidelines." The university provides everything for you to turn into stars, and today on this square, in the very heart of the university, stars have truly gathered.
Addressing everyone present, Iryna Kiturka noted that today's ball is also a celebration for parents, and thanked them for their support of their children in all endeavors. She also expressed gratitude to her colleagues for all the work they had done to educate the students. Iryna Kiturka presented each of the graduates with a symbolic gift – a "star envelope" with words of encouragement for the future.
Not only their teachers and parents came to congratulate the now young professionals, but also honored guests. Words of parting to the graduates were addressed by Zoya Kulesha, Head of the Administration of Oktyabrsky District:
– I want each of you never to doubt the path you have chosen. I wish that the work you will serve and have chosen will be to your liking – then your future path will be much easier.
Also present at the celebration were Sergey Mazailo, Director and Editor-in-Chief of the "Grodno Plus" TV and radio channel, and Yuri Savitsky, Deputy Head of the Grodno Regional Customs, a graduate of YKSUG. They wished the young people to develop, change the world around them, and not be afraid of mistakes.
On behalf of the parents, Ruiz Hernandez Francisco Manuel, the father of a graduate of the Faculty of Law from Venezuela, thanked the administration and teaching staff for their diligent work.
Throughout all four years, teachers were invariably there for the students. They taught, guided, advised and supported the students to raise them into worthy specialists. Lyudmila Chernilovskaya, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, wished the graduates not to stop at what they have achieved, to set ambitious goals and confidently overcome any difficulties.
On behalf of the 2026 graduates, Anastasia Kisel, a graduate of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, expressed words of gratitude to teachers and parents, as well as wishes to her colleagues.
Graduation is both a joyful and sad event, because carefree student days are ending and adult life begins. After so many years spent in lectures and practical classes, it is very difficult to part with one's native educational institution. Yulia Sinkevich, a graduate of the Faculty of Philology, admitted that for her, the years of study flew by like one moment:
– My studies are special because I studied for five years, but for me this time flew by like one moment. Now, standing here, I can't even believe that graduation day has arrived, and it is truly exciting. The university gives a lot: not only important disciplines for our future, but simply teaches life, helps to express oneself and reveal one's potential, – shared the graduate.
For many students, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno has become not just a place of study, but a real family. And Ruiz Hernandez Francisco Manuel was no exception:
– I arrived in 2021, not knowing the language and no one around, but now four years of study are behind me. Now I know the language, I have many friends and memories that I will never forget. University years are a wonderful time. I would really like to go back to 2021 to go through this path again, but I understand: this is my experience, and it will stay with me. Wherever I go, I will always remember that Belarus has become my second home, – the graduate confessed.
More than two thousand graduates will soon graduate and join the ranks of young professionals. However, they will never forget the years spent at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. And who knows, perhaps in time they will return to their beloved university, but not as students, but as parents of new star graduates.
