July 2025 Issue #3
Education as a Force for Social Resilience and National Renewal
A Word from the Foundation’s President
We wait for summer to relax and rest, but this summer is not a time to rest for us. The war, major university projects, and rallies by the country’s young generation defending freedom and democracy are at the center of our attention. The National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy issued a statement regarding a new law approved by Ukraine’s Parliament. Since then, Ukraine’s president has rescinded his signature and acknowledged the will of the people, - the young generation who came out to protect their future.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy was at the forefront of the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity and continues its role as guardian of freedom and democracy. Commenting on the current situation, the university issued a statement that included the following quote, “The Ukraine we envision and are building—together with our students, alumni, faculty, and staff—is a strong, democratic, European state, where Ukrainians live as free people who do not tolerate corruption. This law is a step in the opposite direction; it contradicts the values our community shares.”
Meanwhile, - projects, applications and academic courses continue throughout the summer. We are proud of the accomplishments of our faculty, students and alumni. Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America is proud to support the university’s students and work.
Wherever you are, enjoy the summer, stay healthy and engaged. Thank you for your continuous support. Слава Україні!
Marta Farion,
President of the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America
Ambassador Oksana Markarova has been awarded the Order of Princess Olha by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy
This high state honor was conferred by Presidential Decree No. 503/2025 in recognition of her substantial personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, consolidating international support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for her outstanding diplomatic achievements and professionalism.
We proudly extend our congratulations to Ambassador Markarova. She is an alumna of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and a member of the University’s Supervisory Board. Her unwavering dedication, principled stance, and deep understanding of international relations embody the spirit of committed service to Ukraine.
The Kyiv-Mohyla Academy community is honored by her achievements and deeply grateful for her tireless efforts on behalf of Ukraine.
Focus on Alumni: Kateryna Chernohorenko
We are proud of the work and accomplishments of Kateryna Chernohorenko, who holds a master’s degree in public management and administration from KMA, has a key position at Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, as Head of Digitization. Kateryna writes in her public posts that this has been the most complicated and most responsible job in her life. She credits the success of the program to her exceptional team, that did not fear and challenge, proposed innovative ideas, and collaborate in the spirit of effective results, human dignity and freedom of choice.
We congratulate Kateryna and wish her successful professional growth. Thank you for your service to Ukraine.
New Life Thrives on Dark Missiles Night
As missiles were bombing central Kyiv, another miracle of life took place when Lena Zenchenko and Lesyk Yakymchuk became parents of a baby boy Ustym at Kyiv’s Maternity Ward#1. We congratulate Lena and Lesyk and wish their new Angel Boy health, love and happiness. Baby and Mama are healthy and doing well.Baby Boy will be strong like his parents, he spent the first hours of his life surrounded by loving parents and a heroic medical staff, who provided care to mothers ready to give birth on the dark night of missile attacks. "Titans", Lesyk called them as he thanked them. The entire Kyiv-Mohyla family wishes you congratulations and best wishes.
Lesyk Yakymchuk was a graduate school student at the University of Ohio when the russian massive attacks began on February 24,2022. Within days, he was on a plane to help his nation at his Alma Mater, the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Along with his classmates and Lena Zenchenko, he established the organization UA First Aid on the campus to deliver lifesaving first aid kits to the soldiers at the front. They continue their work to this day. Instead of gifts for the newborn baby, the ask for donations to UA First Aid. If you wish, you can make a tax-deductible donation through Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation by pressing DONATE. Make sure you mark Lesyk and Lena, or UA First Aid and your gift will be delivered to the UA First Aid project.
Marking the Two-Year Anniversary of the School of Professional and Continuing Education Inclusive, Innovative, and Socially Responsible Educational Programs for all Generations
On June 27, 2023, during the full-scale russian invasion, NaUKMA established the School of Professional and Continuing Education (#kma_pro), a new faculty aimed at expanding access to lifelong learning in Ukraine.
Under the leadership of Dean Tetyana Nagornyak, in just two years, #kma_pro has evolved into a vibrant educational ecosystem for school students, university learners, graduate students, and adult professionals. The school serves as a hub for interdisciplinary academic expertise, consulting, professional training, and personal development.
The creation of the faculty was made possible through the support of NaUKMA President Serhiy Kvit, and the dedicated efforts of faculty, staff, and academic partners. Special thanks are extended to NaUKMA First Vice-President Denis Azarov, who played a key role in the development and accreditation of programs, social initiatives, and training schools.
The school’s work has been strengthened by collaboration with key partners, including The Eneida Foundation, the Children of Heroes Charity Fund, and the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America. Together, they supported impactful programs for children affected by the war in Ukraine—particularly those who lost parents defending the country.
NaUKMA Bachelor Program Inaugurated in Giessen, Germany
The population of Ukrainians in Germany has grown exponentially after the start of the war. There are thousands of young people of student-age who need an education. For various reasons, not all of them can attend German universities. Kyiv-Mohyla Academy established a Bachelor’s program in International Relations and also in Chemistry in Giessen, Germany.
Why Giessen? Because Giessen is settled by many Ukrainians, and it is known for its high student population, being a university town with a large proportion of its residents attending either the Justus Liebig University or the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen.
Ina partnership with Justus Liebig University, the program was inaugurated in July 2025 by Maksym Yakovlyev, head of the Department of International Relations (DIR) and director of the Program on Political Analysis, together with Oleksandr Kraiev, senior faculty member at DIR and director of North America program at Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism”.
The number of applicants to the program is growing, which attests to the growing need to serve the communities of Ukrainians who left during the war, especially the young people. KMA has responded to this need and is preparing for the program’s expansion.
The program was made possible by the support and cooperation of KMA President Serhiy Kvit, Director of International Programs Larysa Chovnyuk, and Senior Faculty Member of Technical/Science Studies Tetiana Murlanova.
KMA School of Law enters a strategic partnership with JustGroup
Kyiv-Mohyla School of Law and JustGroup signed a memorandum of strategic partnership. This agreement is an important step towards deepening cooperation between the academic community and practitioners in the field of criminal justice.
JustGroup is an organization that conducts evidence-based RESEARCH into criminal justice and develops solutions that can transform the system based on a diverse perspective and innovation in the criminal justice system.
The interaction between NaUKMA and JustGroup began in 2024 with the implementation of JustStudentstvo, a dialogue platform for students and faculty members.
Among the main areas of cooperation: implementation of JustGroup courses in the educational process, development of professional development programs, research in the field of criminal justice, and support of student initiatives and leadership potential.
📌 Read more on the website: http://bit.ly/3TulxlM
KMA and Ecotech Ukraine Advance Green Energy on Campus
The National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” and Ecotech Ukraine signed a memorandum of cooperation that deepens ties between the academic and business sectors. The agreement was formalized by NaUKMA President Serhiy Kvit and Ecotech Ukraine COO Ihor Burkytsia. This partnership builds on a successful joint initiative launched earlier this year, which saw the installation of a solar power station on the university’s campus. Commissioned in May, the facility now covers nearly all the energy needs of the Academy’s second student housing complex.
The solar station represents a significant step toward energy independence and sustainable development for the university. Plans are already underway for the second phase of construction. The project was made possible through the collaboration of Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, NaUKMA, and Ecotech Ukraine, highlighting how educational institutions in Ukraine can be active drivers of innovation and change. Your support and donations helped make this possible.
KMA and CIUS launch a three-year program to support Crimean Studies
A three-year program of collaboration named “Yollar”, between the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies was announced within the framework of the Kowalsky Program for the Study of Eastern Ukraine.
The initiative “Yollar”—which means “roads” in Crimean Tatar—aims to strengthen the academic capacity and international cooperation of the Crimean Studies Center at NaUKMA. Focusing on the history, culture, and identity of the Crimean Tatars—an Indigenous people of Ukraine—the project also seeks to expand the global reach of Crimean studies as part of the broader field of Indigenous studies.
“This initiative is important for advancing research into the history and culture of the Crimean Tatars, and it is a catalyst for promoting and positioning the topic of Crimea on the world stage—through the lens of the Crimean Tatars as an Indigenous people of Ukraine”, stated NaUKMA President Serhiy Kvit.
📌 Read more at: http://bit.ly/3TulxlM
NaUKMA president Serhiy Kvit is interviewed on current issues
In an exclusive interview with Olena Tsyntyla on the YouTube channel “My – Ukraine”, NaUKMA President Serhiy Kvit shares his views on the current state and transformation pathways of Ukrainian education, as well a show to maintain connections with youth abroad and create conditions for their return.
“We need to develop education and move forward. If young people don’t see a future here, they will go where opportunities are more evident.”
Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America Proudly Supports the “Ukraine and the World: Forum for Global Insights”
Organized by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division, the forum brings together renowned diplomats, scholars, journalists, and human rights advocates for a day of vital conversations about war, peace, justice, disinformation, and global responsibility.
Esteemed speakers include:
Michael McFaul, Ivo Daalder, MP Oleksandra Ustinova, Fmr. Rep. Peter Roskam, MP Volodymyr Viatrovych, Adrian Karatnycky, Dr. Daniel Hryhorczuk, Dr. Timothy Erickson, David Kirichenko, J.P. Lindsey, Elina Beketova, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Sergio Jaramillo Caro — among others.
Forum themes:
Global Security and Peace Through Strength
Confronting Disinformation and the Axis of Evil
Environmental Impact of War and Sustainable Rebuilding
Achieving Justice: War Crimes, Religious Persecution, and Historical Memory
Building Global Community: From Local Action to International Cooperation
📍 Location: Ukrainian Cultural Center, 2247 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago
🗓 Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🎟 Registration is now open – reserve your spot today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/forum-for-global-insights
Please help Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, USA continue its mission
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