July, 2026 No.2
Transformation for Ukraine’s Future
Dear Friends and Supporters,
The idea that change begins
with education has been tested in Ukraine, and proven time and again.
Through the education of new generations, Ukraine has transformed itself and
earned its place on the world stage.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy has been a powerful engine of this transformation. We celebrate the achievements of Kyiv-Mohyla alumni who are at the forefront of building Ukraine, defending its values, and making a difference around the world.
It is inspiring and deeply meaningful to witness this history of change unfolding before our eyes. As sponsors, donors, and friends of Kyiv-Mohyla, you are part of this story. You are helping make Ukraine’s Victory through Education possible. We share a few of the inspiring stories.
With gratitude,
Marta Farion
President
Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Calls for Transparency in Government Decision-Making
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy issued a public statement calling on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ensure greater transparency and public accountability in government decision-making. The statement was issued as hundreds of university students protested recent government changes of senior ministers and demanded transparency and an open dialogue with society.
The statement reads, "Trust in public institutions begins with trust in their decisions," the statement reads. "When decisions that affect the country's defense, democratic institutions, and international credibility are made without adequate public explanation, they weaken confidence in government”, and emphasized that decisions affecting national security, public trust, and Ukraine's international partnerships should be accompanied by clear public justification.
The University warned that transparency and accountability strengthen, rather than weaken, the state, arguing that respect for the rule of law and public trust remain fundamental to Ukraine's democratic future.
The statement concludes with an appeal to President Zelenskyy to ensure that government decisions are guided by the principles of the rule of law, transparent reasoning, and meaningful public dialogue.
KMBS Graduate Serhii Koretskyi Named Prime Minister of Ukraine
On July 17, the Verkhovna Rada approved Serhii Koretskyi, an experienced energy executive and graduate of Kyiv-Mohyla Business School (KMBS), as the country's new head of government.
A graduate of the Executive MBA program at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School, the graduate business school of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Koretskyi represents a new generation of Ukrainian leaders shaped by both business experience and modern executive education.
Koretskyi built his career in the private sector before leading Ukraine's largest state-owned energy companies, including Ukrnafta, Ukrtatnafta, and most recently Naftogaz of Ukraine. During Russia's full-scale invasion, he oversaw critical energy operations while helping strengthen corporate governance and maintain the country's energy resilience.
Koretskyi's appointment is another example of the University's broad impact on Ukraine's development. While he earned his Executive MBA through Kyiv-Mohyla Business School rather than a traditional university degree, he joins a growing network of Kyiv-Mohyla graduates and alumni who serve Ukraine in government, business, diplomacy, and civil society.
Congratulations to Professor Natalia Yakovenko for receiving Ukraine's Order of Freedom Award
Renowned historian Dr. Natalia Yakovenko, Professor of History at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), has been awarded the Order of Freedom, one of Ukraine's highest civilian honors.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conferred the award on Ukrainian Statehood Day, recognizing Yakovenko's exceptional contributions to strengthening Ukrainian statehood, advancing historical scholarship, and promoting the nation's democratic and cultural development.
One of Ukraine's most influential historians, Professor Yakovenko is widely regarded as the country's leading scholar of early modern Ukrainian history. Her groundbreaking research has transformed the study of Ukraine's past and helped shape a modern understanding of the country's history, identity, and place in Europe. For decades, she has mentored generations of historians at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Students Join Science Program at University of Graz
Students from the NaUKMA Biology Department and the Department of Physical and Mathematical Sciences are participating in a six-week summer science program at the University of Graz, marking the Academy's first participation in the Austrian university's extended international summer school.
Biology students are studying modern molecular biology techniques while taking advanced courses in microbiology and biochemistry, while completing intensive laboratory training using the university's state-of-the-art research facilities. They are also receiving instruction in data analysis and scientific programming using R and Python.
Students from the Department of Physical and Mathematical Sciences are conducting laboratory work in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and optics, gaining hands-on experience with advanced scientific equipment.
The program also strengthens the growing partnership between the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the University of Graz through the Arqus Alliance, a European university network in which NaUKMA participates as an associate partner.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Expands Academic Partnerships During Visit to Ireland
A delegation from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) met with Larisa Gerasko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland, to discuss expanding academic cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland.
The Kyiv-Mohyla delegation was led by President Serhiy Kvit and included Larysa Chovnyuk, Vice President for International Cooperation, and Olena Primierova, Head of NaUKMA's Department of Finance.
The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships between Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and Ireland's leading universities through new academic exchanges, joint research initiatives, and collaborative educational programs. Participants also explored opportunities to deepen institutional cooperation and develop new international projects benefiting students, faculty, and researchers in both countries.
The discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to expanding Ukrainian-Irish academic ties and creating new opportunities for long-term collaboration despite the challenges facing Ukraine during wartime.
The Kyiv-Mohyla delegation expressed its gratitude to the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland and Ambassador Gerasko for hosting the meeting and for their continued support of international partnerships that advance higher education and research.
Your donations make a difference $50,000 Scholarship Check Presented to Support Ukraine's Children of War
A $50,000 scholarship gift raised by Ukrainian-American donors across the United States will help children affected by Russia's war pursue leadership education at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Kyiv.
The symbolic check was presented during a meeting at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, bringing together representatives of Ukraine's diplomatic mission, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America.
Participants included Kostyantyn Vorona, Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago; Professor Tetiana Nahorniak, Dean of the Kyiv-Mohyla School of Professional and Continuing Education; Marta Farion, President of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America; Maria Klimchak, Executive Director of the Foundation; and Foundation Board members Motria Melnyk, Daniel Hryhorczuk, and Borys Trofimov.
The scholarship funding will support students enrolled in the Academy's Individual Leadership Trajectory program, an initiative designed for young people whose education has been disrupted by Russia's full-scale invasion. The program emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, resilience, and practical skills needed to help rebuild Ukraine.
"This is far more than financial assistance," Professor Nahorniak said. "It is an investment in young Ukrainians who have chosen to remain in their homeland and help build its future."
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Awards Its Highest Honor to U.S. Philanthropist Halyna Traversa
The National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) has awarded its highest distinction, the Petro Mohyla Medal, to Ukrainian-American philanthropist Halyna Traversa in recognition of her longstanding support for higher education and the rule of law in Ukraine.
The announcement was made during Convocation 2026, one of the university's most significant annual ceremonies. The award was approved by NaUKMA's Awards Committee and confirmed by University President Serhiy Kvit.
This year's Convocation coincided with the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Constitution and the 30th anniversary of NaUKMA's Faculty of Law, one of the country's leading legal education institutions.
According to Volodymyr Venher, Dean of the Faculty of Law, the faculty nominated Ms. Traversa for the award in recognition of her decades of support for educating future Ukrainian lawyers and strengthening legal education. Halyna Traversa is a retired attorney and former general counsel of Rexam Beverage Can Americas. Prior to assuming that position, she was senior international counsel at Abbott Laboratories and Motorola. As a member of the board of Friends of Chernobyl Centers, U.S., she organized two medical shipments to a hospital east of the Chernobyl Zone. As an active member of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, in 2019 she curated the first ever Holodomor exhibit to be held in a Holocaust Museum in North America.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Alumna Kateryna Smagliy Honored in Washington
Diplomats, colleagues, and members of the Ukrainian-American community gathered at Ukraine House to honor Kateryna Smagliy, Counselor at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States and a proud graduate of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, as she concluded nearly four years of distinguished diplomatic service in Washington.
Among those attending the farewell reception was Marta Farion, President of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America, who joined colleagues and friends in celebrating Dr. Smagliy’s contributions to Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts in the United States. Her service is yet another powerful example of how Kyiv-Mohyla graduates are making a difference for Ukraine—and representing the country with distinction on the global stage.
Dr. Smagliy arrived in Washington just one week before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In the years that followed, she played an important role in advancing Ukraine’s political and public diplomacy, strengthening international support for Ukraine, and deepening the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
Her career reflects a remarkable commitment to Ukraine and international cooperation. Before joining the Embassy, Dr. Smagliy directed the Kyiv Office of the Kennan Institute, worked with the European Endowment for Democracy in Brussels, led the Humanitarian Crisis Program at the International Renaissance Foundation, and served as a liaison between Ukraine’s Parliament and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv during the tenure of Ambassador John Herbst.
A graduate of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Dr. Smagliy also holds an LL.M. in European Union Law from the University of Reading and a Ph.D. in History from Central European University.
As she begins her next chapter, the Kyiv-Mohyla community celebrates Kateryna Smagliy’s dedicated service and leadership—and is proud to see yet another Mohyla graduate advancing Ukraine’s interests on the world stage.
Among those paying tribute were Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova, former U.S. Ambassadors to Ukraine John Herbst and Marie Yovanovitch, former First Lady of Ukraine Kateryna Yushchenko, and representatives of Open World and Voice of America.
NaUKMA Expert Daria Bohratchuk Helping Shape Ukraine’s AI Future
Artificial intelligence is changing the world—and Ukraine is making sure its laws are ready for the future.
We are proud that Daria Bohatchuk, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), has joined the working group established under the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Digital Transformation to help draft Ukraine’s AI legislation.
An expert in AI law, Ms. Bohatchuk teaches a specialized course on the legal regulation of artificial intelligence and has international research experience in AI regulation and intellectual property law, including at the University of Basel in Switzerland.
This work is especially important as Ukraine advances toward European integration. The future legislation will help protect human rights, encourage innovation, and bring Ukrainian law closer to EU standards, including the landmark EU Artificial Intelligence Act.
Congratulations to Daria Bohatchuk on this important appointment! NaUKMA’s faculty continue to bring academic excellence and practical expertise to the reforms shaping Ukraine’s future.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Alumnus Taras Tokarchuk Appointed Director of
As of July 9, 2026, Taras Tokarchuk will serve as Director of the NBU’s Monetary Policy and Economic Analysis Department. His key responsibilities will include implementing monetary policy, preparing macroeconomic forecasts, developing forecasting models, and conducting economic policy analysis, among other duties.
Taras Tokarchuk graduated from Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in 2003 with a degree in Economic Theory. In 2008, he earned a PhD in Economics, specializing in Mathematical Methods, Models, and Information Technologies in Economics. He also completed postgraduate studies and worked as a research fellow at NaUKMA.
Congratulations to Taras Tokarchuk on his appointment with best wishes for wisdom, strength, and success.
Faculty of Law Continues to Strengthen International Academic Cooperation with the University of Oxford
The Governing Committee of the Institute of European and Comparative Law extended the status of Visiting Research Fellow to Volodymyr Venher, Dean of the NaUKMA Faculty of Law for an additional three years. He was first awarded this three-year position in November 2023.
The extended fellowship provides an excellent opportunity to deepen academic collaboration and enables scholars from NaUKMA to initiate and implement important research initiatives. As part of this cooperation, NaUKMA and Oxford organized and held the international seminar “Elections and Media: Newest Challenges, Threats, and Responses.”
The Institute of European and Comparative Law is one of the leading research centers within the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The Institute conducts research in European, comparative, and competition law and fosters international academic collaboration by engaging researchers from universities around the world.
Congratulations to Dean Venher on the extension of his Visiting Research Fellow status! We are proud of your leadership in legal education as dean of Kyiv-Mohyla Faculty of Law.
Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America President invited to attend 30 Years of Ukraine's Constitution
Diplomats, U.S. lawmakers, scholars, and Ukrainian-American leaders gathered at the House of Sweden to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Constitution, celebrating the country's democratic traditions and the enduring partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
The event, "A Celebration of Ties Between Ukraine and America: Our Shared Legacy," was co-hosted by the Embassies of Ukraine and Sweden. The venue held special symbolism, as Sweden preserves the original 1710 Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk, widely recognized as one of Europe's earliest democratic constitutions.
Keynote speakers included Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna, Jonas Wendel of the Embassy of Sweden, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky, longtime Ukraine advocate Robert McConnell, and Mykhailo Sawkiv Jr., President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
Distinguished guests included Federal Judge Bohdan Futey, who helped draft Ukraine's Constitution after independence, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst, Members of Congress Joe Wilson, Jim Costa, and Gil Cisneros, journalist Trudy Rubin. Marta Farion was recognized for her support of Ukraine’s oldest university, the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.