Dear Society of Lviv Polytechnicians!
On August 24, 1991, an event of great historical significance took place: Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. It was not just a declaration of intentions, but the beginning of a real embodiment of the original aspirations and desires of Ukrainian people to gain an independent sovereign Ukraine with a democratic European vector of development.
The origin of Ukrainian independence and sovereignty were initiated by such prominent statesmen as Volodymyr the Great, Yaroslav the Wise, Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, Pylyp Orlyk and Mykhailo Hrushevskyi. Our spiritual leaders Taras Shevchenko, Ivan Franko and Lesia Ukrainka dreamed about it. Remarkable Ukrainian knights – Zaporizhian Cossacks, Sich Riflemen, soldiers of OUN-UPA fought for it. Our Sixtiers also advanced our independence. And now the independence and territorial integrity of our country are defended by brave warriors in eastern Ukraine.
For the fourth year, we celebrate the Independence Day in a time of war, unleashed by separatists and Russian aggressor. Russia annexed Ukrainian Crimea, the economy of the country suffered huge losses. We have numerous victims among the civilian population and hundreds of thousands of refugees.
Today, we defend our historic choice – to become a full member of the European family of peoples. Therefore, as never before, each of us faces the urgent task of helping our homeland overcome the enemy, strengthen its sovereignty, territorial integrity and defense capability with concrete deeds.
One of the most important factors for the successful development of our country is education and science. Despite the permanent crisis in this area, we preserved our intellectual potential – talented scientists and world-renowned academic schools and trends.
In the new academic year, Lviv Polytechnic has to confirm its high status of the National University (it was the first to receive it in Ukraine). Among the topical issues that we face, I would highlight two of the most important: to develop perspective directions of science and realize its achievements in life, and to carry out systematic investing and innovation activities.
This year’s admission campaign has shown that our glorious university – the largest and oldest higher academic technical school in Ukraine and Eastern Europe – has got a worthy and promising enrollment. Thus, we must provide our students with proper professional and patriotic education.
May the Independence Day bring happiness and goodness, understanding and harmony, peace and love to our Ukrainian home!
I wish the friendly and united polytechnician family new achievements for the development and prosperity of our single, indivisible, free and democratic European country – Ukraine – a reliable guarantee of the well-being and happy life of its people!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!
Rector of Lviv Polytechnic National University
Yurii Bobalo