"Kherson unites": over 300 KSU graduates received diplomas

Due to the temporary relocation of the university because of the full-scale war, KSU has been working in Ivano-Frankivsk for five years now. This year, the venue chosen for the event was the assembly hall of the main building of Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University. For those who could not attend in person, an online broadcast on KSU's YouTube channel was provided. The event was moderated by the Vice-Rector for Social-Humanitarian and Scientific-Pedagogical Work, Veronika Denysenko.

Among those present were graduates, teachers, students, employees, KSU administration, parents, university partners, and government representatives from Kherson and Ivano-Frankivsk.

The ceremonial opening of the event took place to the National Anthem of Ukraine, performed by Merited Artist of Ukraine, senior lecturer at the Department of Culture and Arts of KSU Oleksiy Ponomaryov. A minute of silence was also observed to honor the defenders and civilians who died during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

This year, 301 KSU graduates received bachelor's degrees, and 9 master's diplomas were also awarded at the Faculty of Medicine.

The graduates and guests of the event were greeted by the Rector of KSU, Oleksandr Spivakovskyi. He called upon the graduates, no matter how life turns out, to remember their Alma Mater: 

«Remember the university that was by your side during the most difficult years. Remember the Kherson region. Let your home always live in your and your heart. And let the knowledge you have gained help you change the world for the better.  We sincerely thank our Defenders. It is thanks to them that we have the opportunity to teach, learn, award diplomas, and build the future. Today, we especially feel that modern warfare is a struggle not only of weapons but also of technologies, science, and intellect. That is why education and science are the foundation of a strong state and our future Victory. For me, resilience is not just the ability to withstand. It is the ability to maintain balance, unity, and move forward even in the hardest times. And this is only possible when there is a strong academic community, reliable friends, and partners».

The Rector also thanked the government representatives and partners who always provide support:

«I sincerely thank the Rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, Valentyna Yakubiv, and the Chairman of the University Academic Council, Ihor Tsependia. You provided shelter to Kherson State University not because circumstances or orders demanded it, but because you did so by a calling of the heart. I thank the Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksii Prokudin,Svitlana Onyshchuk,Yaroslav Shanko,Ruslan Martsinkiv. We always feel your support».

Next, Igor Mandar, Deputy Head of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization (CDTO), spoke.

«With your work, you show that this is not just an educational field — it is your life, and your pro-Ukrainian position should be an example for many», — said Igor Mandar.

Next, the Deputy Head of the Kherson RSA, Volodymyr Klyutsevskyi, who sent greetings from the Kherson region, was invited to speak:

«I want to congratulate the staff of Kherson State University on the successful graduation of specialists. This is a great addition to our human capital! I want to assure you that the Kherson RSA will provide maximum assistance so that KSU continues to develop, science develops, and graduates are competitive. I would also like graduates to find their place of work in the Kherson region and Ukraine. We are ready to create conditions so that graduates, upon finding employment in the Kherson region, are motivated».

He added that there is a youth support program in the region for those who find employment in the Kherson region. It provides financial assistance — so-called relocation allowances.

For five years now, Carpathian National University has been not only a reliable partner but also a true friend to KSU. Traditionally, the Rector of KNU, Valentyna Yakubayiv, was invited to speak.

«Be brave, do not be afraid to dream, knock on all the doors of professional life! Doors open only to those who knock on them. Dream and reach new heights, because this is very important for all of us and our country!»

Also joining the congratulations was the Chairman of the Academic Council of KNU, Advisor to the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Ihor Tsependia. He noted that the strength of KSU lies in the people who believe in the Kherson region, their university, and Ukraine.

«You are an example of how, under difficult conditions, by uniting around values, one can not only withstand but also build up one's native university!» — emphasized Ihor Tsependia.

Next, congratulations were heard from the Deputy Head of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, Olena Yemarenko.

«You are doing not just the impossible, but the super-impossible. You are upholding the spirit of Kherson! You are creating quality education, and this is not only deep, technological, and academic education, but also honest education, which must give graduates the opportunity to realize themselves».

Vitalii Bieloobrov, Deputy Head of the Kherson City Military Administration, was also connected to KSU online.

«I am proud to be a part of and a graduate of Kherson State University. Thank you for choosing this university in the first place. After all, it is not just a university — it is a part of our history and a symbol of resilience. You are doing a great job. You were able to relocate and maintain the quality of education. Today, in Ivano-Frankivsk, you represent our Kherson education!»

Ivano-Frankivsk has become a second home for many students and teachers. Therefore, representatives of the local authorities also joined the congratulations.

The Deputy Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, Svyatoslav Nykovych, wished the students to realize themselves and find their way.

«I wish that our city becomes a second home for you, that you feel comfortable here, can realize yourselves and, most importantly, feel safe».

The Head of the Department of Education and Science of the Kherson Regional State Administration, Olena Danylova, noted that today more than 300 graduates are receiving diplomas, who, despite all challenges, have successfully completed their studies.

«The knowledge and experience gained at KSU will become the foundation for your further professional realization. We look and forward to seeing you in our educational institutions!»

The Head of the Education Department of the Kherson City Council, Nataliia Bil, emphasized that this event unites people with shared values. She thanked the teachers who not only taught students but also served as their mentors.

«Dear graduates, do not be afraid to go far and even where it is scary. Then you will surely achieve what you believe in! Discover the world, continue learning, allow yourselves to dream. And let the memory of your native Kherson region and your native university always live in your hearts».

Next, leaders of KSU's partner institutions from Ivano-Frankivsk joined the congratulations. Specifically, the Rector of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Roman Yatsyshyn, and the First Vice-Rector of King Danylo University, Mykhailo Kosmiy.

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KSU, entrepreneur and philanthropist Yurii Rozhkov, noted:

«I wish you all to discover your talents! You — are the best!»

This year, famous representatives of culture and art visited the celebration. The event program featured the winner of the second season of the musical talent show «X-Factor», singer, rock musician, and vocalist of the Kherson Regional Academic Musical and Drama Theater named after Mykola Kulish, Viktor Romanchenko; Merited Artist of Ukraine, senior lecturer at the Department of Culture and Arts of KSU, Oleksiy Ponomaryov; People's Artist of Ukraine, professor of the Department of Culture and Arts of KSU, Viktor Hurba; teacher of Music School No. 3 of Kherson, KSU graduate, Anna Manzhai.

The event concluded with a performance by graduates and students of KSU, and soloists of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Academic Hutsul Ensemble of Song and Dance «Hutsulia»!

This day became special for every graduate, as behind them are years of study, and ahead are new opportunities, a professional path, and a new stage of life.

Despite the war, relocation, and constant challenges, Kherson State University continues to train specialists and remains one of the symbols of the resilience of Ukrainian education. For over 100 years, for thousands of graduates, a KSU diploma has been a symbol of quality education and a passport to a professional, successful life. Today, despite the war and the university's relocation, this tradition continues.

KSU Press Center