PAST EVENTS
Resilience and Renewal Shaping Ukraine’s Future
Chicago Marks the 410th Anniversary of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America hosted a special celebration at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Chicago, marking the 410th anniversary of Ukraine’s oldest university—the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA).
The event brought together academics, diplomats, donors, alumni, and friends of one of Eastern Europe’s most distinguished institutions to honor a legacy of scholarship, faith, and civic leadership that began in the early 17th century.
Held under the theme “Resilience and Renewal: Shaping Ukraine’s Future,” the Chicago gathering balanced celebration with purpose. Guests included NaUKMA leaders, Foundation trustees, and representatives of Chicago’s Ukrainian diaspora. The program featured formal remarks, recognition of supporters, and cultural performances—reflecting Mohyla’s enduring commitment to both intellectual excellence and cultural heritage.
Foundation representatives emphasized the event’s role as a bridge between supporters in the United States and the academic community in Kyiv—particularly vital as the university continues to operate under wartime conditions.
Marking 410 years is not merely a commemoration of history but an affirmation of enduring values. For NaUKMA and its global community, anniversaries such as this highlight the principles of academic freedom, civic responsibility, and resilience that remain essential to Ukraine’s democratic future.
Reestablished after the collapse of Soviet rule in the 1990s, the modern Kyiv-Mohyla Academy has become a symbol of Ukraine’s educational and civic renewal. Its students and faculty continue the institution’s long-standing tradition of fostering leadership and advancing democratic ideals.
Despite ongoing attacks on Kyiv, NaUKMA students and professors persist—continuing their studies and research under extraordinary conditions. Their dedication exemplifies the Academy’s centuries-old spirit of perseverance.
Through continued support from donors and partners, the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America provides educational, psychological, and financial assistance to sustain the university community. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Academy remains a beacon of learning and leadership for generations to come.
City Winery Chicago Hosts Benefit Concert for Ukraine’s Veterans
“Lynne Jordan and the Shivers with TRIODA” Brings Music and Hope to Support the Ukrainian Veterans Leadership Center
On January 14, 2025, City Winery Chicago was filled with warmth, music, and solidarity as audiences gathered for Lynne Jordan and the Shivers with TRIODA – A Holiday Concert, presented by the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America. The evening combined soulful performances and heartfelt generosity to benefit the Ukrainian Veterans Leadership Center at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The concert featured the powerhouse vocals of Lynne Jordan and the Shivers, whose signature blend of blues, jazz, and soul captivated the crowd, alongside the acclaimed Ukrainian vocal trio TRIODA, whose rich harmonies brought a moving cultural dimension to the night. Together, the artists created an atmosphere of unity and celebration, demonstrating the power of music to inspire hope and action.
Funds raised from the event will support the Ukrainian Veterans Leadership Center, a pioneering institution helping veterans transition to civilian life through leadership programs, professional development, and community initiatives. The Center also collaborates with Kyiv-Mohyla Academy’s Center for Mental Health and Psychological Support to promote emotional resilience and wellbeing among veterans returning from the front lines.
Throughout the evening, attendees were reminded that their participation extended far beyond the concert hall—it was a tangible act of support for those who have served and sacrificed for Ukraine’s freedom. The event highlighted Chicago’s continuing role as a stronghold of Ukrainian cultural and humanitarian engagement.
Photos from the event captured the spirit of the night: vibrant performances, heartfelt connections, and a shared belief in the transformative power of art and community.
Kyiv - Mohyla Foundation of America Distinguished Speaker Series
We are honored to present the Distinguished Speakers featured below. They embody influential perspectives on identity, culture, peace and justice, human rights, education, reconstruction, and the international order as related to Ukraine during and after the war.
Yohanan Petrovasky Shtern, Ph.D
Oleksandra Matviichuk
Anna Novosad
Anne Applebaum