A ceremonial event dedicated to a landmark anniversary was held at the Vitebsk Concert Hall. Congratulations and words of gratitude were expressed to the faculty and staff, many of whom were honored with well-deserved awards.
Addressing the attendees, the rector of the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, Olga Gorlova, announced that over its history, the university has trained 45,000 specialists.
Today, 95% of specialists working in the agro-industrial complex are graduates of the VSAVM. The academy employs 700 people, including 260 faculty members. 3.2 thousand students are enrolled, with 1.7 thousand in full-time programs. With the participation of the university's scientists, 92% of all scientific developments of veterinary drugs and feed additives have been completed.
The Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Belarus, Olga Chuprys, called the VSAVM a unique educational institution whose graduates enable every person to receive quality nutrition and have healthy interaction with the animal world. Olga Chuprys recalled that in 2008, the head of state called the veterinary academy our pearl, and during the recent appointment of a new rector, he outlined a number of problems to be solved.
Olga Chuprys read out a congratulatory address from Alexander Lukashenko, which included the following words: "Innovative developments of your scientific schools contribute to the effective development of animal husbandry and ensuring the country's food security. I am convinced that the accumulated century of pedagogical experience, knowledge, and enormous creative potential will allow the team to continue achieving high results."
Gleb Lapitsky, a member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, read out a congratulatory address from the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Natalya Kochanova. It noted the academy's significant contribution to training highly qualified personnel in the field of veterinary medicine and biotechnology, the creation of new veterinary drugs and their implementation in production, and the development of the country's agricultural sector."
Yury Panfilov, Deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, conveyed congratulations from Igor Sergeenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. The message stated: "Your team can rightfully be proud of talented, dedicated teachers and gifted students. The achievements in the field of veterinary medicine are known far beyond the borders of our country."
Congratulations and awards from Anatoly Linevich, Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus, and Andrey Ivants, Minister of Education of Belarus, were also read out and presented.
Taking the stage, Alexander Subbotin, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, admitted to feeling emotional because there were many familiar faces in the audience.
"I spent 21 years within the walls of this academy," said the alumnus and former university lecturer. "It educated me, nurtured me, shaped me as a citizen and a person, and gave me a start in life. A century has passed, but there are many achievements, realizations of ideas, and plans ahead."
A surprise awaited the head of the region. Olga Gorlova proposed that the audience vote to award Alexander Subbotin, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, the title of Honorary Professor of the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine.
To the applause of those present, Alexander Subbotin donned the academic gown.
"Vitebskiye Vesti" 