Vytautas Magnus University Visit to Mariupol University

This week, a delegation from Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) visited Ukraine, participating in a strategic session organized by Mariupol State University in Lviv. The VMU delegation included Rector Juozas Augutis, “Transform4Europe” institutional coordinator Prof. Ineta Dabašinskienė, and activity coordinators Tomas Mickevičius and Kateryna Horiunova.

During the three-day visit, numerous noteworthy events and meetings took place. The rectors of MSU and VMU had an exceptional opportunity to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in the renovated premises of Mariupol University in Kyiv. Even more, VMU Rector Juozas Augutis was honored with the title of Honorary Professor. The team also participated in the strategic session of Mariupol State University, discussing the institution’s current status, future plans, and ongoing activities.

Reflecting on the strategic session, the Rector of Mariupol State University, Mykola Trofymenko, stated, “I am extremely happy to welcome in Lviv so many members of our academic community to talk about where we stand now, what we have achieved in the last year, what we aspire to become, and what plans we are drawing up. Our public mission is to preserve the memory of the Mariupol tragedy, and the international community is very supportive of us in everything we do for this purpose.”

VMU Rector Juozas Augutis emphasized the strong bond between the two universities, saying, “The University of Mariupol is a symbol of resistance against Russia. We are always by your side on the chosen path.”

Professor Ineta Dabašinskienė expressed her deep commitment to supporting the community of Mariupol University: “I am greatly honoured to be the ambassador of Mariupol University. I see it as my duty to assist, support, contribute, and do everything that is beneficial to your institution. Your community is small, but at the same time, it’s big, displaying a big heart, great aspirations and opportunities, tremendous energy and potential to accomplish impressive things. We can do a lot together.”

The VMU delegation, alongside representatives from Mariupol University, also paid tribute to those who had lost their lives in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This act of remembrance underscores the shared values and solidarity between Lithuania and Ukraine.