Mariupol State University Honors Incoming Rector-Elect Prof. Dr. Ineta Dabašinskienė with Distinguished Academic Position
Rewritten Article:
On a jovial Tuesday evening in Kyiv, Ukraine, Prof. Dr. Ineta Dabašinskienė, soon-to-be Rector of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), and the driving force behind Transform4Europe, received the illustrious title of Honorary Professor from Mariupol State University (MSU).
In a captivating ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ineta Dabašinskienė was adorned with the insignia of Honorary Professor by MSU Rector Mykola Trofymenko, who hailed Ineta as a reliable partner and cherished friend. Trofymenko praised Ineta's relentless concern for MSU, a university that safeguards Mariupol's identity amidst the tumult of war.
"To be bestowed such a prestigious recognition by a university that stands not only as a sanctuary of knowledge but also a beacon of dignity, fortitude, and indomitable spirit amidst war is an honour I can hardly compare to anything else. From the depths of my heart, I sincerely thank you for this award, but more so, I am profoundly grateful for your spirit, your camaraderie, and your trust in the power of knowledge to restore and construct," Ineta said in her heartfelt speech.
As the lead architect of Transform4Europe, Ineta facilitated MSU's incorporation into the alliance, thereby offering its scholars and students the opportunity to grasp the finest academic practices and assume a crucial role – to serve as the voice of Mariupol and Ukraine on the international stage.
The event also drew the attendance of Jurgita Jankūnienė, Advisor to the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine. "Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that while war rages, I would be here today in 'Mariupol.' Lithuania may be small, but it has always stood with you – it has helped, is helping, and will continue to help. We shall certainly vanquish the enemy and celebrate that day as the apex of our history. Together to Victory and beyond," the ambassador's advisor declared.
During Ineta's rigorous four-day stay in Kyiv, she congratulated the participants of the Leadership for the Renewal of Donetsk Region program, including Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi, Governor of Donetsk Oblast Vadym Filashkin, and representatives of the President's Office. In between, she also held a lecture titled Courage to Act, Power to Change. In recognition of her contributions, Filashkin bestowed the Order of Donetsk Region to her, an honour considered the region's zenith.
Mariupol State University, currently operating its activities from Kyiv due to war, cherishes its bond with Vytautas Magnus University – an institution that shares their values and ambitions. VMU was the first to stretch out a helping hand to Mariupol's academic community, welcoming a horde of students displaced by the conflict in 2022. VMU not only offered them a chance to study but also provided accommodation in the university's dormitories.
In the same year, VMU established Centre of Ukraine, a hub of humanitarian aid and an educational oasis for thousands of Ukrainians. The university has maintained long-standing and close ties with Ukraine and its academic community, having signed more than 30 cooperation agreements with them. Last year, VMU Rector Prof. Juozas Augutis was also decorated with the title of MSU Honorary Professor, in recognition of his support.
- The honorary title bestowed upon Prof. Dr. Ineta Dabašinskienė by Mariupol State University not only signifies her recognition in the realm of education, but also underscores her significant role in education-and-self-development and politics, as she has been the driving force behind Transform4Europe.
- The event, which brought together figures from general-news including Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi, underscores the synergy between education and politics, as Ineta's contributions have facilitated opportunities for MSU scholars and students, positioning them to serve as the voice of Mariupol and Ukraine on the international stage.
