May 2025
Chicago event honors 410 Years
of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
Honoring a Legacy That Shapes the Future
On May 4, 2025, a major event to honor the 410th anniversary of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy was held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Chicago. Academics, diplomats, philanthropists, alumni, and friends gathered to honor the university and its historic role in preparing leaders for the nation. The event opened with the song Gaudeamus Igitur, in an unforgettable performance by the SUM Choir named after Mykola Pavlushkov, led by Volodymyr Popovych, who added a medley of Ukrainian marches and patriotic songs. The evening ended with the performance of singer Valeriia Vovk accompanied by guitarist Elvis Olenskyi.This benefit evening was more than a commemoration of history - it was a manifestation of unity, purpose, and responsibility for the future. Even in wartime, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy stands as a symbol of dignity, critical thinking and action.
Education at the Core of a Brave Nation
Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America has been steadfast in supporting and cultivating the Academy’s programs and image in the United States. This year’s event focused on fundraising for scholarships for the youth of war who lost parents, homes, and schools; the School of Professional and Continuing Education; and the Veterans Leadership Center for Ukraine’s Defenders. “If not us, then who?” should help them, was the question asked. This year’s masters of ceremonies were Marko Supronyuk, member of the Foundation’s board of directors, and alumna Violanta Lewis, who described her alma mater as a “beacon of intellectual leadership and civic responsibility.”
Marta Farion, president of the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America opened the program thanking donors and sponsors for their financial support, that enables the university to advance the university’s programs with American universities, and pursue excellence in education and research. In her speech, Ms. Farion expressed deep gratitude to the soldiers defending freedom and independence of Ukraine and honored those who gave their lives to defend our freedom.
Gratitude and Hope
The presence of special guests who travelled from Ukraine provided a special bond with Ukraine and the university.
Dr. Serhiy Kvit, president of NaUKMA spoke about the many new programs and initiatives of the university, including the Center of Crimean Studies and the Faculty of International Relations; Dr. Olha Poliukhovych, vice-president of research spoke about the collaborative research work with American universities; Dr. Volodymyr Venher, dean of the Kyiv-Mohyla School of Law, spoke about the need for young jurists to represent Ukraine in international venues and the defense of the rule of law to bring justice related to war crimes.
The audience was treated to special appearances by Dr. Kateryna Smagliy, counselor for political and public diplomacy at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, alumna of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; General Kostiantyn Morozov, Ukraine’s first Minister of Defense in 1991; and Cook County Treasurer and friend of the Ukrainian community Maria Pappas. Also present was Zhanna Cherniavskaya, representing the Belarusian community.
We are grateful to all our special guests for joining us at this celebration.
All photos:
Honoring Service and Leadership
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of special awards to individuals whose service reflects deep dedication to Ukraine. Ambassador Oksana Markarova, an alumna of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, received the Award for Service and Devotion to Ukraine. In a pre-recorded online message, Ambassador Markarova said, “Kyiv-Mohyla is an institution that merges deep historical roots with the innovations of the present,” and she thanked Kyiv-Mohyla alumni on both sides of the Atlantic.
Motria Melnyk, president of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago and KMFA board member, was honored for her outstanding commitment to preserving Ukrainian culture, education, and identity in the United States.
Every Gift Is a Step Toward Victory
Gratitude was extended to those who made the event possible, especially to the sponsors of the anniversary program. The Heritage Foundation of the First Federal Savings Bank “Pevnist”, led by Taras Drozd, contributed $41,000 toward the Leadership Center for Ukraine’s Defenders.
Selfreliance Federal Credit Union donated $10,000, presented by Julia Winter, toward the Leadership Center for Ukraine’s Defenders. Their support through the years has been at the core of the university’s progress.
Please help Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, USA continue its mission
KMA Law Faculty Invited to Expert Discussion at Oxford
Dr. Volodymyr Venher, Dean of the Law Faculty, and Associate Professor of the Department of Legal Theory and Public Law, Dr.Yurii Kliuchkovskyi, participated in the discussion of experts on the topic “Elections and Media: Newest Challenges, Threats, and Response”, hosted by the Institute of European and Comparative Law (IECL) at the University of Oxford. The event brought together leading scholars and legal experts from Georgia, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Ukraine.
The event featured two thematic sessions: “A Healthy Media Environment in Electoral Campaigns: Current Challenges and Threats”, which addressed the legal frameworks of electoral processes, media monitoring, and the influence of emerging technologies—including the role of artificial intelligence; and “Building Trust in Electoral Campaigns: Countering Dis/Misinformation, Hate Speech, and Manipulation”, focusing on strategies to safeguard electoral integrity and prevent information attacks.
Panel discussions were moderated by Dr. Leah Trueblood (Worcester College, Oxford) and Dr. Volodymyr Venher.
Further details about the involvement of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy can be found on the university’s official website: https://bit.ly/42PY3Ma
Kyiv-Mohyla Veterans Center for Leadership of Ukraine’s Defenders Joins Amnesty International’s “Tribe” Project
The Veterans Center for Leadership of Ukraine’s Defenders at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy became an official partner of the “Tribe” initiative launched by Amnesty International Ukraine. As part of this project, the Center will provide methodological support and implementation monitoring.
The Center’s contribution is grounded in a unique blend of academic expertise in educational program development, evidence-based research, and hands-on experience working with veteran-focused learning initiatives. Its continued efforts to develop the leadership potential of Ukrainian veterans—particularly those committed to shaping the future of the country through education and strong civic networks, will play a key role in the “Tribe” program.
Together with the experience of other project partners, the Center’s approach will help create a meaningful and impactful training program. As a result, “Tribe” participants will gain practical facilitation skills and essential knowledge for driving change in their communities.
In addition, experts from the Veterans’ Resource Center at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy will assist in processing the data collected throughout the program. This analysis will inform comprehensive conclusions that may benefit other changemakers and educational initiatives.
The project is being implemented by Amnesty International Ukraine in collaboration with Amnesty International Denmark, in partnership with NGO Princip, Vesta, the Ukrainian Women Veteran Movement, and the Veterans’ Resource Center at NaUKMA, with financial support from CISU – Civil Society in Development (Denmark).
Vladyslav Dutchak, imprisoned at Olenivka concentration camp after the siege of Azovstal, lectures about Resistance from Gulag to Mariupol
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy hosted an important lecture by Vladyslav Dutchak, titled “Unbroken: Ukrainian Insurgents in Stalin’s Concentration Camps.”Dutchak, known by the call sign “Docent”, is a historian, PhD in Philosophy, university lecturer, and a serviceman in the National Guard of Ukraine’s Azov Brigade since 2021.
A defender of Mariupol, Dutchak was captured by russian forces after the siege of Azovstal and became a prisoner at the infamous Olenivka concentration camp. The lecture he delivered at Kyiv-Mohyla was one he had first shared with fellow prisoners in the barracks of Olenivka.
In his talk, Dutchak drew compelling historical parallels between the resistance of Ukrainian insurgents in the Stalin-era GULAG camps and the current struggle of Ukrainian soldiers fighting for freedom and dignity.
His presentation deeply resonated with the audience. A spirited discussion followed, with attendees expressing their gratitude, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting on the emotional and historical depth of the lecture. Listeners were especially moved by Dutchak’s personal courage, his profound historical insights, and the meaningful connections he made between Ukraine’s past and present resistance.
Ukrainian Journalist Vitaly Portnikov Speaks at KMA on Democracy, Statehood, and Global Challenges
On May 8, the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism — the Faculty of Law and the Andriy Meleshevych School of Public Governance at the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” hosted a public talk with Vitaly Portnikov, a prominent Ukrainian journalist, public intellectual, and commentator.
The timing of the conversation was deeply symbolic: as Europe once again echoes the words “Never Again”, the world appears closer than ever to repeating the darkest chapters of history.
During the discussion, Portnikov reflected on the current challenges facing Ukraine and the world, delving into themes of statehood, freedom, responsibility, and the cost of choices. He focused in particular on the crisis of democracy and Ukraine’s unique role in today’s global confrontation.
Portnikov emphasized that professional public governance is a vital component of a resilient state, especially amid war and political transformation. “We are approaching a moment where democracy is beginning to lose to authoritarianism. Ukrainians today are in a completely unprecedented position: on the one hand, defending our own borders; on the other, safeguarding European democracy. One can only hope that Ukraine’s struggle will prevent the return of the regimes that ruled a century ago”, Portnikov stated.
The event underscored the importance of dialogue and critical thought in times of crisis — and Kyiv-Mohyla Academy’s ongoing commitment to cultivating them.
Tamara Martsenyuk presents new book, "Fearless: The History of Ukrainian Feminism in Interviews."
The National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” and the KMA Alumni Association hosted the presentation of the new book by sociologist and gender studies scholar Tamara Martsenyuk, titled "Fearless: The History of Ukrainian Feminism in Interviews."
“Fearless” explores the roots and development of modern Ukrainian feminism through a unique and accessible format—interviews. The book features voices of 23 pioneering women who shaped the feminist movement in the early 1990s, both in Ukraine and abroad. Among them are Marta Bohachevsky-Chomiak, Oksana Kis, Tamara Melnyk, Tamara Zlobina, Larysa Kobelianska, Ella Lamakh, Tetiana Isaeva, Natalia Karbovska, Maria Dmytriyeva, Anna Dovgopol, and many other activists.
The publication honors their contributions to feminism, gender studies, and the ongoing fight for equality. It also calls attention to the importance of preserving women’s stories, particularly those who launched the feminist movement during a time of profound societal transformation.
The book launch was more than a presentation—it became a platform for dialogue on the past, present, and future of Ukrainian feminism. The event once again underscored the urgency of gender equality and the value of historical memory.
The author, Tamara Martsenyuk, is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. The event also featured Dr. Svitlana Oksamytna, one of the book’s protagonists and Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Social Work, and Psychology at NaUKMA, as well as Larysa Kobelianska, PhD in Philosophy,coordinator of the Gender Advisory Council of the Equal Opportunities Inter-Factional Group in Parliament and head of UNDP’s Women’s Equal Opportunities Program.
The discussion was moderated by Iryna Nikolaychuk, a Kyiv-Mohyla alumna, literary critic, and editor-in-chief of Creative Women Publishing.
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and Council of Europe History Education Board Sign Memorandum
President Serhiy Kvit of the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” and the Chair of the Governing Board of the Observatory on History Teaching in Europe of the Council of Europe, Dimitris Sotiropoulos, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, emphasizing the pivotal role of history education in shaping democratic citizenship.
The memorandum outlines key areas of collaboration, including combating disinformation and establishing a Center for the Study of European History at NaUKMA. This center is envisioned as a platform for academic research, educational initiatives, and intercultural dialogue.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mykhailo Vynnytskyi, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, and Olha Poliukhovych, Vice President for Academic Affairs at NaUKMA.
Following the ceremony, Mr. Sotiropoulos met with students and faculty of the university’s Department of History. The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss not only future educational initiatives but also the broader role of history in fostering critical thinking, resilience to manipulation, and awareness of identity.
This agreement marks a recognition of NaUKMA as a trusted European partner in the field of humanities education and opens new avenues for joint projects with OHTE, aimed at strengthening resistance to historical manipulation—especially critical in the context of hybrid warfare.
New Robotics Lab and Bomb Shelter Open at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
As Ukraine’s higher education system adapts to the realities of full-scale war, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) has unveiled a remarkable transformation: a neglected basement in its First Building has been converted into both a modern air raid shelter and a fully equipped robotics laboratory.
This dual-purpose space, developed with the support of global agri-food company Cargill, reflects the resilience and forward-thinking approach of Ukrainian academia under pressure. It now serves students of the Faculty of Informatics as both a secure refuge and an innovation hub.
“We see STEM education as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s long-term recovery — and as essential to sectors like agriculture, which lies at the heart of Cargill’s global business,” said Mykola Khomenko, CFO of Cargill Ukraine, a Kyiv-Mohyla alumnus and current faculty member.
“This initiative equips students with real-world tools and opportunities, preparing the next generation of engineers and innovators. It’s also a statement of belief in Ukraine’s future — one grounded in knowledge and community.”
The new Robotics Lab provides students with hands-on experience in developing technologies with real-world applications — from smart home systems and industrial automation to agricultural drones and demining equipment.
“We launched the robotics track to bridge theory with practice,” said Dr. Andriy Hlybovets, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics.
“We envision this lab as more than just a classroom — it should be a dynamic creative space where students prototype, experiment, and launch their own projects. A kind of startup garage within the university.”
The project reflects a broader trend in Ukraine’s educational sector: rethinking infrastructure not only for safety, but also for long-term innovation and resilience. In a time of war, spaces like this offer both protection and promise.
