On November 19, a solemn ceremony of induction into the position of rector took place at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University. Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, and first vice-rector of the university, Valentyna Yakubiv, officially assumed the role of university head.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Professor Mykola Trofymenko, the university’s faculty, representatives of the city and regional authorities, heads of higher education institutions, members of the University’s Supervisory Board, clergy, students, and guests.
Before the ceremony began, those present honoured the memory of the fallen defenders with a minute of silence.
The Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Professor Mykola Trofymenko, delivered a congratulatory speech. He announced the Ministry of Education and Science’s order regarding the appointment of Valentyna Mykhailivna to the position, thanked her for her many years of work in the university’s development, and wished her fruitful, constructive, and responsible work in her new role.
“For me, Carpathian University is a model of what a modern regional university should be. It is a combination of a strong scientific school, a valuable mission, an understanding of state challenges, and daily work for the benefit of the country. The university responds to the challenges facing the state by offering solutions through research, educational programs, international projects, and the training of young specialists.
I would like to separately mention the team that Professor Igor Tsependa assembled during his years as rector. It was this team that raised the university to a new level, formed a recognisable brand and a powerful community spirit. Today, on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Science, I had the pleasure of presenting Igor Yevhenovych with the award “Excellent Teacher of Education of Ukraine” for his exceptional professionalism, diligent work, and significant personal contribution to the development of education and science. His experience should continue to be used in the management of the university.
Another fundamental feature of this university is its willingness to bold experiments. Joining the pilot with a new management model, forming the Supervisory Board, which includes leading businesspeople, scientists, and managers, demonstrates how the university can become even more effective, open to partnerships, and productive. Admissions figures, the growth of technological schools and areas of dual education, and strong scientific and educational projects confirm that this is the right path,” the Deputy Minister noted.
After the announcement of the order, Valentina Mykhailivna took the oath of rector. In her speech, she emphasised that the high title of university head is a great honour and, at the same time, a great responsibility for her. She thanked the team for their trust, support, and joint work, emphasising that the development of the university is possible only thanks to the unity, professionalism, and responsibility of the entire academic community.
“For me, a university is, first of all, people and values. It is honesty, humanity, intelligence, freedom of thought and responsibility for every word and every action. My mission as rector is to create conditions for students that will ensure their competitiveness and demand in the labour market; for employees, opportunities for professional achievements and self-realisation; and for the university, all the prerequisites for it to become a space of innovation and a reliable support for the development of our region and our country. And we will create this space, where education, science, business, and community will work in unison, reinforcing each other for the sake of Ukraine’s post-war restoration.
Despite all the challenges and losses, we are united by one goal – to develop education, science, culture, and strengthen our region and our state.”
The previous rector, chairman of the Academic Council of the university, and corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Professor Ihor Tsependa, solemnly handed over the rector’s mantle to Valentyna Yakubiv. He emphasised that the university is entering a new stage of development, wished the new head wisdom, balanced decisions, and support from the team, and also expressed confidence that her energy, experience, and openness to innovation will bring the university new achievements and strengthen its position on the educational map of Ukraine.
The following addressed those present with words of blessing and support:
— Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Volodymyr Viityshyn;
— Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Iosaf.
The new rector was also congratulated by:
— Chairman of the University Supervisory Board Dmytro Romanyuk;
— Deputy Head of the Ivano-Frankivsk OVA, Kristina Torgan;
— Chairman of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council Oleksandr Sych;
— Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk Ruslan Marcinkiv;
— Representative of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the University of Warsaw, Doctor of Sciences Maciej Szymanowski;
— Rector of Kherson State University Oleksandr Spivakovsky;
— Rector of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Ihor Chudyk;
— Rector of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Roman Yatsyshyn;
— Rector of King Danylo University Myroslav Lutskyi;
— Chairman of the University Trade Union Committee Vasyl Klymonchuk; —
Chairman of the University Student Senate Viktoria Savchyn; —
Chairman of the Trade Union Committee of Students and Postgraduates Ivan Khomyak and others.
At the end of the ceremony, a prayer for Ukraine, “God, the Great One,” was sung by the university choir, adding a special solemnity and spiritual uplift to the event.
Carpathian National University sincerely congratulates Valentyna Yakubiv on her appointment as Rector. It wishes her wise decisions, inspiration, and new achievements for the benefit of the university community and Ukraine.
