Polotsk State University celebrated its half-century anniversary on a grand and colorful scale

Raisa Sidorenko, Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus, arrived at the celebratory evening on the occasion of the significant date. She read out a congratulatory message sent to the staff by the Head of State, Alexander Lukashenko.

It states that PSU has taken its rightful place in the national education system, being a worthy successor to the educational traditions of the Polotsk land.

The university keeps pace with the times; its faculty actively master and implement new directions, methods, and teaching technologies, and its scientists conduct fundamental and applied research.

The results of this activity are recognized by the domestic and world scientific community. Thanks to the diligent, coordinated work of the faculty and students, as noted by the President of Belarus, Polotsk State University is dynamically developing and confidently looking into the future.

Natalia Kochanova, Head of the Presidential Administration and a PSU alumna, addressed the warmest wishes to her alma mater.

And Nikolay Sherstnev, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, and Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, noted in their congratulatory address that the polytechnic institute, founded in the young petrochemical city, has transformed into a major scientific and educational center in a short period. It develops considering the region's specifics, maximally integrates its activities with the needs of the real economy and social sphere.

The strength of the university and its graduates lies in the close connection between education, science, and practice, creating a solid foundation for the further growth of existing potential.

The importance of the university for the successful development of the region was emphasized in their speeches by the Chairman of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, Dmitry Demidov, who is also a graduate of PSU, and the Chairman of the Polotsk District Council of Deputies, Iosif Gribovich.

Archbishop of Polotsk and Glubokoye Feodosiy noted the university's contribution to the spiritual and moral education of youth and presented the rector of PSU, Dmitry Lazovsky, with an icon depicting the Belarusian enlightener Euphrosyne of Polotsk, as well as a medal of the Orthodox Church.

An extensive program of events was dedicated to the anniversary. Festive tests and photo exhibitions were held at the faculties, first-year students wrote essays about their plans for their studies at the university, the best teachers and students were awarded the special prize "Krynitsa Vedau" (Source of Knowledge), and an athletics relay race, a cycling and car rally, and a tourist festival for young scientists were organized.

A colorful show of multi-colored umbrellas provided vivid impressions. The solemn opening of the exhibition of the Museum of Science and Education of Polochchina became a significant event. And, of course, the birthday was not without the appearance of a new landmark – the recreated Rector's Entrance to the Polotsk Collegium.

At the initiative of the rectorate, a decorative portal and porch from the late 18th – early 19th centuries have been restored on the facade of one of the historical buildings. The oak door block of the Rector's Entrance is adorned with eight bronze sculptural reliefs. They reflect the most important periods of the emergence of higher education in our country, starting from 1581, when the Polotsk Jesuit Collegium was founded.

In 1812, by the decree of Emperor Alexander I, the collegium was transformed into the Polotsk Academy with university rights – the first higher education institution in the lands of Belarus, where renowned scientists of their time taught.

In 2003, the collegium buildings – an architectural monument of the mid-18th century – were transferred to the subordination of the Ministry of Education. This historic decision was made by the head of state during his visit to PSU in September 2001.

Having restored the historical buildings and recreated the unique academic atmosphere within them, Polotsk State University became the successor to the centuries-old educational traditions of our land.

The Rector's entrance will be opened on especially solemn occasions. All first-year students and graduates will pass through it, and their names, according to Dmitry Lazovsky, will be entered for eternal storage in a special book, emphasizing their affiliation with the oldest university in our country.

Dmitry Nikolaevich named the intensive development and improvement of conditions for the growth of scientific potential, and the education of world-class professionals as the main goals of the university. He also stated that the high professionalism, compliance with the requirements of the time, and readiness for the challenges of the 21st century are the guarantee that the set tasks will be accomplished.

Text and photos by Larisa MALASHENYA, "Vitebskiye Vesti".