St. Nicholas has now taken up residence at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University — in the symbolic Station of Winter Wonders at the observatory on Pip Ivan Mountain. This is the highest point in Ukraine, where St. Nicholas now works. His lowest residence is located in the Odessa Catacombs.
It was with this news that the warm pre-Christmas Stefanyk Open Day began, bringing together 2026 applicants, their parents, teachers, and the university community.
Immediately upon entering, guests entered the St. Nicholas Holiday Mailbox, a special location where everyone could leave their dream letters.
The university created an atmosphere of kindness and professional growth. Interactive zones designed by students and teachers allowed future entrants to explore different fields of knowledge, find inspiration, and see what exactly dreams are supported and helped to realise here.
Rector of the Carpathian National University, Valentyna Yakubiv, welcomed the guests and emphasised the university’s high rankings in all-Ukrainian and international rankings, its large university community, and the numerous opportunities for student development.
In her speech, she emphasised that the university is a place where applicants can find support, an environment that fosters creativity, experimentation, professional growth, and genuine friendships.
The following were prepared for the participants of Stefanyk Open Day:
• faculty and intellectual quizzes;
• getting acquainted with all 15 faculties and institutes;
• “dream lottery” and gifts from Saint Nicholas;
• interactive spaces dedicated to future professions;
• the opportunity to communicate with teachers and student teams.
For parents and teachers, the event provided an opportunity to experience the university’s current life, explore its educational, scientific, and international opportunities, and understand why students not only feel supported here but also confident in their own future.
The holiday quiz was conducted by Mariana Danyliuk, a student in the Faculty of Foreign Languages and event manager at the Centre for Professional Career and Education. Iryna Vorobets and Vitalia Khatsevych assisted her.
The event was moderated by Halyna Voloshchuk, Director of the Educational and Scientific Centre for Professional Career and Lifelong Education, Candidate of Philological Sciences, and Associate Professor.
The main news of the event was the official launch of the St. Nicholas Winter Wonders Station on Pip Ivan Mountain. This is a symbolic laboratory of goodness, located at the White Elephant Observatory, the highest point in Ukraine, where St. Nicholas works and where letters with dreams now also arrive.
The university announced that this summer, Stefanyk Open Day participants will be able to go on a thematic trip to Pip Ivan — to the Laboratory of Miracles of St. Nicholas at our observatory.
Please note that everyone is advised to keep their participant passports, as they will serve as their ticket to this event.
