July 2025, Issue #1
Education as a Force for Social Resilience and National Renewal
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Even during the war, while witnessing history, rooted in tradition, the enduring spirit of resilience and commitment to education was proudly displayed at this year’s convocation at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. For security reasons, the convocation ceremonies took place for each school and department separately during two days.
The enduring spirit of the Kyiv-Mohyla community celebrated the achievements of its graduates in a moment of unity across generations. They stand tall today, those whose journeys brought them to make an impact in Ukraine and around the world. This convocation has been a living testament to the strength and resilience of the Kyiv-Mohyla family that knows no borders.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the university and the Class of 2025! We are proud of the achievements of this new generation of Kyiv-Mohyla graduates: 750 Bachelor’s degrees awarded, including 81 with honors, 390 Master’s degrees awarded, including 34 with honors.
We believe in you. We are proud of you. We wish you success in your careers, in your dreams, and, above all, we wish victory and peace for Ukraine.
With unwavering support,
The Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America
Serhiy Kvit, President of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy congratulates the graduates
Dear Graduates,
Convocation 2025 — Two Days, One Moment. A moment of gratitude, joy, and new beginnings. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! You carry the knowledge, values, and spirit of Kyiv-Mohyla into the world. Stay curious, stay brave, and follow your calling. You are forever part of the Kyiv-Mohyla community — a family that transcends time and borders. We are proud of you.
Hear the video greeting:
https://www.facebook.com/naukma/videos/4043271262652876ext here
Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States congratulates the graduates
Dear Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Community,
It is my great honor to congratulate the graduating Class of 2025 on this important milestone —Convocation. Today, you celebrate not only the culmination of years of study but also the beginning of a new journey — one filled with possibilities, responsibilities, and impact.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy has always stood as a symbol of Ukraine’s intellectual strength, resilience, and commitment to democratic values. As graduates of this esteemed institution, you carry forward not only knowledge but also the spirit of service, integrity, and leadership.
I wish you courage, inspiration, and strength as you step into the next chapter of your lives. May your achievements serve not only your personal growth but also the future of our beloved Ukraine.
Hear the video greeting:
Graduates of the Faculty of Computer Science Poised to Shape Ukraine’s Digital Future
Congratulations to the graduates of the Faculty of Computer Science on their Convocation 2025. These individuals are not merely programmers, engineers, mathematicians, or IT specialists — they are bearers of the code of Ukrainian identity and the values deeply rooted in the Academy’s educational tradition.
Hennadiy Zubko, member of the Supervisory Board at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and former vice prime-minister of Ukraine, emphasized the vital role of the university, stating, "The National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy is one of the pillars of Ukrainian statehood. I am convinced that Ukraine cannot exist without Kyiv-Mohyla, just as Kyiv-Mohyla cannot exist without Ukraine."
Mr. Zubko expressed confidence that the graduates will contribute to shape a new digital era and will realize their potential in Ukraine.
Please help Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, USA continue its mission
Professor Rafał Witkowski was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at a Special Convocation at the Faculty of Humanities
Graduates in the Faculty of Humanities were honored by the presence of Professor Rafał Witkowski, Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Professor Rafał Witkowski was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa by the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
This distinction recognizes Professor Witkowski’s outstanding contributions to the development of academic partnerships, as well as his dedicated support for Ukraine and efforts to build bridges between Poland and Ukraine.
Excerpt from the speech by Alex Zakletsky at the Faculty of Natural Sciences
Alex Zakletsky (BS cand MSc in Ecology, 2000, 2002), serviceman and press representative of the 2nd International Legion, focused on the role of graduates for Ukraine’s needs and their role in history. “Sitting here today, happy, in your caps and gowns, diplomas in hand, you might think you have passed the most important exams of your lives. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Ukraine - our entire nation, is currently retaking a statehood exam it failed 100 years ago.
How that previous failure ended probably does not need retelling here. I am sure you know better than I do the history of the Executed Renaissance, the Holodomor, and the dissident movement of the 1960s.
The defense of Ukraine now urgently requires young specialists with flexible minds. Our goal is to have more smart-weapons on the battlefield and fewer people exposed. I cannot speak for all units, but in my 2nd International Legion of the Defense of Ukraine — where volunteers from over 30 countries serve — there is a critical shortage of Ukrainians who know foreign languages, primarily English and Spanish, as well as people with expertise in chemistry, physics, geospatial data analysis, and industrial engineering.
Every successful military organization today has its own Research & Development division, and we desperately need young researchers!”
Kyiv-Mohyla Business School (kmbs) reminds graduates about
the Kyiv- Mohylian Identity: A Timeless Connection
Professor Nozdrachov of the Business School reminded the graduates about the identity they will always carry with them, “There are moments in life that give it meaning and unite us with others who share significant life stages. These moments often become the most meaningful and shape who we are. At Kyiv-Mohyla Academy such moments form what we call the Mohylian identity. Receiving a diploma marks a profound transition — one that can be hard to grasp in the moment. The academic gowns worn are not mere tradition but symbolize a deep connection across generations and a new status defined by responsibility, not prestige.”
The university’s President, Serhiy Kvit, spoke about how post-Soviet perspectives often misunderstand the importance of these rituals, which embody continuity and commitment. “Being a pioneer requires courage to follow one’s own path, to be different, and to live according to one’s convictions despite challenges or criticism. This transition is like reconnecting with a dear friend whose presence is felt even across time and distance.”
Serhiy Voitsekhovskyi, board member of BGV Group Management, co-founder of Kolo Market, Retail Chain, highlighted three key experiences awaiting graduates: the thrill of change, the formation of a new community of like-minded individuals, and an enduring passion for learning.
For many, Kyiv Mohyla represents the meeting point of history and the future — a timeless place where the past grounds us, and the future unfolds through unity and hope.
Graduation of the Second Group of the Veterans Leadership and Resilience Program
The Kyiv-Mohyla Veterans Center for Leadership of Ukraine’s Defenders completed the second cycle of the program “Leadership and Resilience.” This growing program continues to attract many eager participant and is supported by the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America and other sponsors. Veterans are a vital asset for Ukraine’s future.
Veterans enrolled in the program acquire vital skills in project management, public administration, leadership, political science, decentralization, community building, government relations, and communications with nonprofits, churches, and businesses. This unique combination of veteran experience and academic knowledge prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in the public sector, civil society, and business.
Andrii Kucher, a 2025 graduate and founder of the Union of Wounded Military of Ukraine “Strong 300,” shared his experience, “Although I did not meet all the requirements to complete the course, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned. This program is excellent, and I highly recommend it to other veterans. Kyiv-Mohyla Academy combines a supportive atmosphere with rigorous academic standards.”
The university, the sponsors, and the graduates acknowledge with gratitude the work and leadership of the Center’s director Yana Chapailo and Mariia Savrun, head of Strategic Partnerships, in fostering and developing the veteran community
An Idea Whose Time Has Come School of Professional and Continuing Education Turns Two
On June 27,2023, in the midst of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) took a bold step: it launched a new faculty — the Kyiv-Mohyla School of Professional and Continuing Education (KMA_PRO). This was more than an institutional milestone. It was a powerful statement that even in times of war, Ukraine invests in knowledge, leadership, and the future.
A Hub for Lifelong Learning
In just two years, KMA_PRO has grown into a vibrant center for adult and continuing education, serving: school students and university scholars, public sector leaders and civil society professionals, entrepreneurs and business managers.
Through degree programs, corporate training, consulting, and public initiatives, participants gain skills in: Public Administration & Leadership; Project Management & Community Building; Government Relations & Resilience Strategies.
Leadership and Vision in Wartime
The school’s founding was led by NaUKMA President Serhiy Kvit, whose vision and courages shaped KMA_PRO during the war’s most uncertain days. First Vice-President Denis Azarov and a dedicated team of educators developed its academic programs and distinct learning formats. “Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come,” says the KMA_PRO team. “This is where education meets resilience — and knowledge becomes a pillar of Ukraine’s future.”
Powered by Partnerships
KMA_PRO’s rapid development has been fueled by collaborations with organizations that share its mission: Eneida Foundation, Children of Heroes Foundation, Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America.
Together, they provide transformative learning opportunities for youth affected by war. KMA_PRO also works with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to deliver real-world training that responds to Ukraine’s most urgent needs.
🇺🇦 Education as Resistance
In a country fighting for its freedom, KMA_PRO represents more than education — it is a living expression of Ukraine’s resilience and commitment to rebuilding stronger than before.
Learn more about KMA_PRO: https://www.ukma.edu.ua
Together, we shape the future.
https://www.facebook.com/kma.pro.official/videos/2129748910859399
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Faculty of Law Celebrates the Graduation of the Class of 2025
Despite the tensions of missiles each night, this year, the Faculty of Law held a graduation ceremony. After a demanding legal education where only the best candidates studied, diplomas were bestowed to 174 students. including 101 bachelor’s and 73 master’s degree recipients.
Convocation at NaUKMA is more than a ceremonial tradition. It is the culmination of years of intellectual growth, principled learning, and personal transformation, and the opening of a new chapter full of aspirations, decisions, challenges, and opportunities.
The graduates of 2025 have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, determination, and strength of spirit — qualities shaped and sharpened amid times of uncertainty and change. With deep knowledge and a strong ethical foundation, they are ready to contribute to the legal profession, civil society, academia, and beyond.
We take great pride in their courage, clarity of values, and the light they bring into the world.
Heartfelt congratulations to each graduate. United by shared experiences and a commitment to justice and truth, the Class of 2025 joins a global network of Kyiv-Mohyla alumni — a community that transcends time and borders.
Thank you for helping Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, USA continue its mission