Symbols of Resilience, Gratitude and Unity: A Solemn Award Ceremony at LTSNU
11.4.2025
On April 9, a special, solemn and at the same time deeply symbolic event took place at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.
The ceremony included the awarding of the university’s management and staff, which was a recognition of their contribution to the struggle for Ukraine on the educational, cultural and spiritual fronts.
The university, which did not surrender to the war, did not stop its educational mission even in the most difficult times, today stands at the forefront of the educational front. LTSNU has gone through a difficult path — it relocated twice, but did not break. On the contrary, it has become even stronger, more united, and has become an example of invincibility for the entire country.
A high award — the Order of People’s Honor “For Valor and Victory” — was presented to the Rector of the University, corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, Honored Worker of Education of Ukraine Olena Leonidivna KARAMAN. The award was presented by the Colonel Viacheslav VASILIEV, Head of the Union of Veterans of the ATO and Law Enforcement Agencies of Ukraine, Chief Military Expert of the National Medical Chamber of Ukraine, Knight of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, combat officer, volunteer and philanthropist.
Olena Leonidivna is not just the head of a powerful educational center, she is an inspiring leader. It was on her initiative that the Veteran Development Center was created at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University – a unique space of support for soldiers, veterans, and their families. Here, every defender can receive help, education, rehabilitation, and a chance for a new life. During the celebrations, she was also presented with chevrons for her military uniform, donated by her military friends – another sign of deep respect and trust.
Other representatives of the university administration and staff were also awarded certificates – those who every day maintain the educational rear, form the nation, educate citizens who are able to think, love Ukraine and act for it.
The awarding took place in accordance with Order No. 16 of March 31, 2025 (Kyiv) at the initiative of the Head of the Union of Veterans of the ATO and Law Enforcement Agencies of Ukraine “Shield of the Fatherland”, the Chief Military Expert of the National Medical Chamber of Ukraine, Colonel Vyacheslav VASILIEV, the First Deputy Head of the National Medical Chamber of Ukraine – Head of Medical Service Volodymyr SHOLOMYTSKIY and the Chief Psychologist of the National Medical Chamber of Ukraine, Major General Serhii LAZARENKO.
The certificate was also awarded to Honored Artist of Ukraine Olena Bilokon, who performed a charity concert at the university on that very day.
Each certificate is more than an official document. It is recognition. It is honor. This is gratitude for the daily work, for loyalty, for the light that university employees bring to the lives of students and communities.
A touching moment was the presentation of the university’s battle flag. A volunteer since 2014, head of the Honor and Conscience Charitable Foundation, Oksana Kanevska, handed over the flag from the front line — from the place where today the modern history of the struggle is being written. This banner is not just a piece of cloth. It is memory, pain, hope, a symbol of invincibility. A shrine that will inspire many more generations.
Ms. Oksana also presented the Gratitude from the Honor and Conscience Charitable Foundation to the staff of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University — for their active civic position, support for the army, participation in volunteer initiatives, and education of a new generation of patriots.
On this day, pride, gratitude, and faith reigned within the walls of LTSNU. Faith in Ukraine. Faith in Victory. And confidence — together we are strong.
Marketing Department of LTSNU
