Today, Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy launched its formal graduation ceremonies for bachelor’s degree students. This year, 980 students are graduating.

The atmosphere in the university’s assembly hall, where the celebrations are taking place, is filled with both joy for the graduates’ achievements and deep respect for those who are currently defending Ukraine.

This year’s graduation is special, as the bachelor’s students’ university years coincided with exceptionally difficult times – the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. Despite these challenges, the university has managed to train almost a thousand specialists in 53 specialties, which became a significant contribution to the development of the country’s economy.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honour of those who lost their lives in the Russian-Ukrainian war, including 46 students and alumni of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy.

University Rector Oleksandr Cherevko addressed the graduates with a congratulatory speech, emphasizing the resilience and determination of young specialists:

“I thank the graduates for their trust, and their parents and relatives for their support. These four years of study took place in conditions of full-scale war. Hundreds of missiles and Shaheds flew over our heads, but we did not break. On the contrary, we developed, strengthening our educational and scientific positions. And this is a joint achievement of the staff and students.

And I am especially grateful to the entire university family for their support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Together, we have raised over 5 million UAH since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. These funds were directed to those who defend our country, and among them are 18 staff members and over a hundred students, thousands of alumni. And we will not stop, because our military are the guarantee of our very existence.

I also thank our academic staff and vice-rectors for organising the educational process. You are the true elite!

I want to say to the graduates: do not stop here! Ahead lies your master’s degree, a higher level of education, and new opportunities. Your education is your ticket to adulthood.

Today’s world needs an erudite, responsible person, ready for change and capable of shaping tomorrow – for themselves, the community, and the whole country. We believe in you and know that the knowledge you have gained at BKNUC will help you to pave your professional path.”

Touching words were shared by Rector Oleksandr Cherevko and Vice-Rectors Vasyl Moisiienko and Oleksandr Spriahailo, as well as institute directors, heads of graduating departments, and stakeholders, addressing graduates of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Economics and Law, the Educational-Scientific Institute of Pedagogical Education, Social Work and Art, the Educational-Scientific Institute of Foreign Languages, and the Educational-Scientific Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Health.

Musical and dance performances added festive spirit and unforgettable emotions to the event, with greetings from the “Voices” Music Art Factory and the “Cherkashchanka” folk dance ensemble.

Graduates also addressed their mentors with words of gratitude.

The formal part of the event at the Educational-Scientific Institute of Economics and Law concluded with “Voices” Music Art Factory performing the song “To the Cossack Kin”, which symbolised the invincibility of the Ukrainian spirit.

Graduates of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Pedagogical Education, Social Work and Art enjoyed a fiery dance performance by the team of sports and ballroom dance “Style” of BKNUC.

At the Educational-Scientific Institute of Foreign Languages, attendees reminisced on wonderful moments of student life by watching photos and videos set to the song “Make You Feel My Love”, performed by student Ameliia Khrenova.

The choreographed performance from “Daria Dans Studio” has been received by graduates of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Health. This is the team of the institute’s alumna Dariia Dikhtiarenko.

Joining the graduates in celebrating this special event was Anton Skachkov – a stakeholder who closely cooperates with the institute, a representative of the Alumni Association, First Deputy Head of the Cherkasy Regional Division of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, two-time Paralympic champion, Honorary Citizen of Cherkasy, and university alumnus.

Among this year’s graduates was meant to be Nazar Lavrenko, who studied at the Educational-Scientific Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Health. But he volunteered to serve in the armed forces, fought in combat, and gave his life for his country. Lecturers and fellow students honoured the Hero’s memory.

The 2025 graduation is not only a celebration of knowledge gained, but also a reminder of the unity, resilience, and unwavering faith in Ukraine’s victory. The university continues to nurture a generation of independent and dignified citizens who will build the country’s future.

ALL PHOTOS

Press Office of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy