On August 31, the National University of Ostroh Academy held the "Inauguration-2025" solemn ceremony to initiate first-year students. This year, more than 1000 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, in accordance with safety protocols under martial law.
Among the guests of honour were: Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Cand. Sc. (History); Oleksandr Bohutskyi, CEO of Starlight Media; Serhii Babak, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science and Innovations, Cand. Sc. (Economics); Oleksandr Koval, Head of the Rivne Regional State Administration; Andrii Karaush, Head of the Rivne Regional Council; Mykola Zhulynskyi, Director of the T. Shevchenko Institute of Literature, Doctor of Science (Philology), Full Professor, Full Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the NaUOA, Academician of the Ostroh Academic Brotherhood; Roman Vasylyshyn, Protector of The National University of Ostroh Academy, Secretary of the Supervisory Board of the NaUOA, Academician of the Ostroh Academic Brotherhood, Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Full Cavalier of the Order of Merit, Honored Economist of Ukraine; Stanislav Serediuk, entrepreneur and philanthropist, General Director of PE "Company Autoland", philanthropist of the charity evening 'Give Light', member of the Supervisory Board of the NaUOA; Olesia Zhulynska, Chief Communications Officer (CCO) of JSC CB "PrivatBank", communications consultant for international projects, lecturer, lawyer and psychologist; Kostiantyn Kyryliuk, Town Council Secretary of the Ostroh City; Oleh Biima, Ukrainian film director, screenwriter, Shevchenko Prize winner, Honored Artist of Ukraine; Ruslan Tkachuk, Doctor of Science (Philology), Senior Research Officer at T. Shevchenko Institute of Literature of the NASU; Pavlo Bulhak, Advisor to the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the NaUOA alumnus.
At the beginning of the event, those present observed a moment of silence in memory of the defenders and civilians who gave their lives for the independence of Ukraine. We will never forget the names of the deceased alumni, students and lecturers of the Ostroh Academy.
"Our sincerest, warmest, most heartfelt, and sweetest greetings to you, our dear first-year students. Ukraine is home to many excellent universities, but Ostroh Academy stands out as the first higher education institution in Eastern Europe. In a short period of revival, we have achieved remarkable success. This year, we have the most competitive admissions in university history. We are incredibly proud of it. The best students have enrolled at the Ostroh Academy; today, students from all over Ukraine are here, and you have a special mission: to rebuild and develop the state that those who gave their lives for it dreamed of,"
During the Inauguration ceremony, 25 first-year students received unique individual tuition fee grants from philanthropists of the NaUOA and the costs raised during the charity event "Give Light." These grants help support Ukrainian youth shaping our future right now.
"Dear first-year students! From today, you are spudei of Ostroh Academy. This title will be proudly borne by over one thousand new students joining our academic community. It is not only an honour, but also a significant responsibility. I am certain that among you are future scientists, diplomats, politicians, lawyers, educators, journalists, military and spiritual leaders – those who will shape modern Ukraine. You have come here not only to acquire a profession, but also to discover yourselves and find your vocation. Remember: your achievements and victories will continue to glorify Ostroh Academy. Welcome to the academic community!"
Following the tradition, the theatrical characters of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi and Princess Halshka Ostrozka participated in the event.
“I am visiting your university for the third time, and to me it is a bright place of strength, knowledge, Ukrainian spirit, history, and identity. But Ostroh Academy is not only about our remarkable past; it is also about the successful future of Ukraine, which you, dear first-year students, are destined to create. And this is not only about the quality of knowledge you gain during your studies, as Ostroh Academy consistently confirms its high status as one of the best universities in Ukraine and Europe, maintaining top positions in prestigious international rankings. As Ihor Demydovych wisely said, this is about shaping the worldview of young people who are guided by the eternal values of spirituality, nobility, patriotism, and dignity. I am convinced that by choosing Ostroh Academy, you have made one of the best decisions of your life, as you have made the right choice of values,”
"It is an honour to be with you today at Ostroh Academy, whose alumni make the entire country proud. These are prominent state, public, and cultural figures who have glorified Ukraine and whose names are recorded in history textbooks. Dear first-year students, you have wonderful years ahead of you to discover yourselves and develop as individuals, so that after graduation, you can immediately advance in your careers and bring honour to our country. We believe in you. I hope that you will become an alumnus of whom Ostroh Academy and Ukraine will be proud, and who will make it known throughout the world,"
“You are in a unique place of strength, not only for the Rivne region, but for all of Ukraine. It is no coincidence that before important meetings, the incumbent President visited Ostroh Academy to engage with students, draw inspiration, and take the right steps that now keep our state strong. History demands that we build Ukraine and be Ukrainians. Today, you are the ones who will write a new history and rewrite the true history of Ukraine, for a nation is formed when everyone knows their roots,”
"For the Rivne region, as well as for all of Ukraine and Eastern Europe, Ostroh Academy is a jewel – velvet and amber – in the crown of knowledge. Your courage, determination, and intellectual strength, along with the patience and support of your parents and teachers, testify to only one thing: you are the best youth because you have chosen the best higher education institution in Ukraine,”
"Ihor Demydovych Pasichnyk is a legendary figure to whom all of Ukraine should applaud for reviving Ostroh Academy, whose main mission is to create and shape the national elite. And today I recall the words of our renowned writer from Volyn, Lesia Ukrainka, who once said: «First of all, it is necessary to cultivate an intelligentsia, to return the nation its brain.» This is exactly what the Ostroh Academy does: it shapes the future Ukrainian elite. And this is perhaps the most important task facing any higher education institution in Ukraine. But the best and most responsible work in this regard is carried out by Ostroh Academy, because the national elite serves as a kind of spiritual foundation that shapes and unites the nation,"
"I wish you perseverance in acquiring knowledge, which will enable you to succeed in life and be independent. Be sure to participate in the exchange programmes available at Ostroh Academy. This will broaden your horizons, allow you to see the world, and gain new prospects, connections, and opportunities. Build friendships, as there is a high likelihood that the people you meet here will remain with you throughout your life,"
In the presence of the academic staff and guests, the first-year students took the Ostroh Academy student oath and received a symbolic gift, the Bible.
"Choosing Ostroh Academy means choosing profound national and spiritual values. Our choice is a choice of honour. At Ostroh Academy, a professional character, worldview, readiness to serve Ukraine, and a clear civic stance are being cultivated. We will act honestly and conscientiously to become those who, through their actions, will build and strengthen our state,"
The oath was also taken by lecturers who had defended their dissertations and are beginning to teach at Ostroh Academy in their new academic status. The academic ranks of Ostroh Academy have expanded to include three Doctors of Science and five Doctors of Philosophy.
The ceremony concluded with a formal welcome for first-year students to the "Temple of Knowledge" at the National University of Ostroh Academy. Following this, inaugural lectures took place:
- Olena Kondratiuk – Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Cand. Sc. (History);
- Serhii Babak – Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science and Innovations, Candidate of Sciences (Economics);
- 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 NaUOA;
- Oleksandr Koval – Head of the Rivne Regional State Administration;
- Andrii Karaush – Head of the Rivne Regional Council;
- Stanislav Serediuk – entrepreneur and philanthropist, General Director of PE "Company Autoland", philanthropist of the charity evening 'Give Light', member of the Supervisory Board of NaUOA;
- Olesia Zhulynska – Chief Communications Officer (CCO) of JSC CB “PrivatBank”, communications consultant for international projects, lecturer, lawyer and psychologist.
During the lectures, the speakers discussed essential and topical issues: education and values as the superpowers of the 21st century; achieving success through dreams, hard work, and responsibility; education as the foundation of economic independence; as well as the path of young people toward self-fulfilment and serving Ukraine through success and patriotism.
