First-year Students of UMTE Celebrated the Start of Their Studies at the Shostakovich Philharmonic

On August 30, 2024, a ceremonial celebration marking the beginning of the new academic year – Freshman Day at St. Petersburg University of Technology, Management, and Economics – took place in the Grand Hall of the St. Petersburg Academic Philharmonic named after D.D. Shostakovich.

The ceremony traditionally began with the presentation of the flags of the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg, followed by the performance of the national anthem of Russia by the university's student choir.

Newly enrolled students were congratulated by the university's partners, including representatives from government, business, scientific circles, and public figures: Nina Ostanina, Chair of the State Duma Committee on Family, Motherhood, Fatherhood, and Child Protection; Nikolai Burov, a Russian theater and film actor, educator, public and cultural figure, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, and advisor to the Governor of St. Petersburg; Konstantin Serov, Head of the Administration of the Frunzensky District of St. Petersburg and Honorary Professor of UMTE; Vladimir Gaidey, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science and Higher Education of the St. Petersburg Administration; Vyacheslav Belikov, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Legislation and Honorary Professor of UMTE; Dmitry Dmitriev, a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg; Alexey Shmatko, Director of the Institute of Regional Economic Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences; and Evgeny Gorin, Executive Vice President of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of St. Petersburg.

With a Petrine stride, Peter the Great himself (played by artist Leonid Petrov) made an appearance at the celebration, advising the students on how to «celebrate this beginning of a new and proper path». «If the ship is strong, it will hold the right course. Long live the university!» - proclaimed the Tsar as he personally handed the key of knowledge to the freshmen representing all institutes and the university college.

Oleg Smeshko, the Rector of UMTE, greeted the freshmen and noted the joy of seeing more than 1,000 promising young individuals who had chosen St. Petersburg University of Technology, Management, and Economics for their education. Oleg Grigorievich also mentioned that about half of them had come from different cities across the country and even from other countries, which speaks to the university's recognition and status.

«Knowledge Day is the most important state holiday. We need a sovereign economy and a sovereign education in Russia. We need people of the new era, and that is you!» - addressed Nina Ostanina to the freshmen.

Vladimir Gaidey emphasized that such ceremonial events demonstrate the respect the university has for its students, and that «studying where you are respected from day one is a great fortune». Dmitry Dmitriev conveyed congratulations to the freshmen and the university faculty for the beginning of the academic year from the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Alexander Belsky, while Konstantin Serov delivered greetings from the Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov. «We have high hopes for you. Those who dream of a successful career have a big and good path ahead», underlined Konstantin Serov.

«The first day of your first year at university is always important, it stays in your memory for a lifetime. The first university that becomes your Alma Mater is a love that lasts forever», asserted Nikolai Burov.

Graduates from different years encouraged the students and reminisced about their university days: The university had been a reliable and kind mentor and friend, teaching them to make the right choices and not fear mistakes. «Believe in your dreams and pursue your goals!»

To make this day truly unforgettable, several surprises were prepared for the freshmen. In addition to esteemed guests, they were congratulated by graduates from various years, while glaring musical surprises featured soprano Tsvetana Omelychuk from the Mariinsky Theatre and the student dance team SODA.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the student choir performed the UMTE anthem, the words of which the freshmen, promising to uphold and enhance the university's traditions and carry the honor of being its students, will now remember forever:

«There is nothing dearer to us than student brotherhood,

Here we are friends, one family, and our university is our home!

And no one will ever doubt,

That we will carry our friendship through the years!»