Altai State University celebrates Russian Student Day

January 25 is a holiday known as Russian Student Day or Tatiana Day. The tradition to celebrate this day started in the 18th century. In 1755, on that day the Empress Elizabeth signed the decree on the foundation of Moscow University. The day coincided with the memorial day of the Holy Martyr Tatiana, who became the patroness of all Russian students.

Several hundred representatives of universities and colleges from all over Altai Krai and Altai Republic gathered in the concert hall of ASU, including participants of the V Convention for Leaders of Altai Student Government, who completed their work in Altai State University on January 25, and, of course, students of the flagship university itself.

According to the established tradition, everything began with greetings from the main heroes of the occasion. The students of Altai State University met with the founders of the first Russian university, Empress Elizabeth and Mikhail Lomonosov.

“Today millions of Russian students are celebrating their holiday. This is a celebration of the future and the hope of our country, because it is you who personify our success and victories in the future. You have made the right move by becoming students of higher educational institutions of the country, joining the student body of Russia. We are sure that you will achieve a lot and will be successful in your future professional activity,” Evgeni Shvakov, First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, said in a welcoming speech from the stage.

Chairperson of the Social Policy Committee of Altai Krai Legislative Assembly Tatiana Ilyuchenko and Deputy Head of the Youth Policy and Social Development Programs in Altai Krai Irina Rybina also wished happy Student Day to the guests of the event and presented the best students of Altai Krai with the letters of appreciation from the government.

The best Tatiana of flagship Altai State University, student of the Faculty of Geography Tatiana Kostenko, wished happy Student Day to the guests and invited to try the gingerbread in the form of a record book. This year this tradition has undergone some changes. First, it was a record book with the name and photo of Tatiana Kostenko herself, and, secondly, it was unfolded. Another innovation of this year was that the student and the First Vice-Rector for Educational Work of ASU put their signatures on the record book, thus confirming that it will bring good luck in learning to all who try it.

The event ended with a flash mob, which the organizers of Student Day at ASU plan to show in a video clip dedicated to this holiday.