A delegation from Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University participated in the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the Department of East European Studies at the University of Warsaw, one of the most influential academic institutions in Central Europe, which has played a key role in shaping a generation of experts in international politics and security.
Carpathian University was represented at the celebrations by the Chairman of the Academic Council, Ihor Tsependa, Member of the Supervisory Board, Yana Stadilna, and General Director of the VSCNU Science Park, Mykola Stovban.
The celebrations were opened by Jan Malitski, Director of Eastern European Studies, who emphasised that “it is hard to believe how quickly 35 years have passed since the Senate of the University of Warsaw decided to create this unique institution.”
On the occasion of the anniversary, he also presented Igor Tsependa with the East European Studies Jubilee Medal, recognising his significant role in the development of Polish-Ukrainian academic cooperation.
The opening remarks of the celebrations were delivered by the Vice-Rector of the University of Warsaw, Adam Niewiadomski, and representatives of Poland’s diplomatic structures, including Minister Henryk Moscicki-Dędys and Marcin Przydach.
The latter emphasised the exceptional contribution of the Studios to the training of highly professional specialists for the state’s foreign policy and security system.
A special moment of the celebrations was the presentation of a state award to Igor Czependa. The award was solemnly presented by the State Secretary of the Chancellery of the President, Wojciech Kolarski, on behalf of the former President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda. This is a high recognition of Igor Czependa’s many years of contributions to the development of Ukrainian-Polish university partnerships, inter-university programs, and scientific projects.
During the celebrations, Igor Tsependa also congratulated the East European Studies on its anniversary, emphasising that the University of Warsaw, represented by the East European Studies, and the Carpathian National University are the highest universities in Europe, because together they have the International Science Centre “Observatory”, located on one of the highest peaks of the Carpathians, Mount Pip Ivan.
Another significant element of the program was the presentation of the diploma and robe of the Honorary Doctor of the Carpathian National University as part of the ceremony conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Carpathian National University on Professor John S. Mitsgel (Studium Europy Wschodniej UW / Columbia University).
Professor Mitzgel is an American historian, a long-time researcher of Central and Eastern Europe, and one of the key promoters of Polish studies in the United States, as well as a participant in numerous international academic projects. Since 2017, he has been working at the University of Warsaw, actively collaborating with the Centre for East European Studies and contributing to the development of the Collegium Carpathicum Consortium, a partnership platform in which Carpathian University not only participates, but also has its symbolic headquarters in the observatory on Mount Pip Ivan.
The professor’s activities have, for many years, connected the Warsaw and Carpathian Universities with joint research initiatives, projects, and support for Ukrainian-Polish dialogue.
During the day, the Carpathian University delegation took part in all key events of the anniversary program – the morning festive liturgy, the official inauguration, the anniversary debate “Co nam czynić należy…” on security in the East, the presentation of the scientific and publishing projects of the Studios, as well as the ceremony of presenting medals and awards to the employees of the Studios of Eastern Europe.
The participation of the Carpathian University delegation in the anniversary confirmed the deep respect, trust, and strength of the Ukrainian-Polish university partnership, which is built on joint academic programs, research, and solidarity in times of challenges for all of Europe.
The Carpathian National University sincerely congratulates the Eastern European Studies Department of the University of Warsaw on its 35th anniversary. It expresses its gratitude for the many years of friendship and partnership, which have inspired new joint projects and scientific discoveries.
