April 2025
Greetings from the President
Dear Friends,
As we embark on the 410th anniversary of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, we extend our warmest spring greetings to you, when we celebrate Easter, a feast of love, hope, and rebirth. As Ukraine celebrates Easter amidst the ongoing violence of war, we remain resolute in our fight for freedom against the invader. The everlasting spirit of the Ukrainian nation is the cornerstone of our victory.
As well, we send our best wishes to our Jewish friends who celebrate Passover, a feast that also brings hope to families in Ukraine and all over the world.
On this Feast of the Resurrection, we ask for God’s protection for our brave Ukrainian Armed Forces, for all the volunteers who provide essential support to our defenders, for the healing of wounded soldiers, civilians, and children. We believe in the miracle that will come with Easter will unite us into a single, unconquerable nation.
We’ve had a busy and productive month at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, achieving goals in law, science, veterans and military education, international projects, and contributing to foreign relations. All of it, with our beloved students and faculty who prove over and over that excellence in education is the key to Ukraine’s future. We are excited to share these programs with you. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Marta Farion
President
Invitation to celebrate the 410thanniversary of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
It is a pleasure to invite you to celebrate the 410thanniversary of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy at a special banquet on Sunday, May 4, at 2:00 PM at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Chicago.
For over four centuries, Kyiv Mohyla Academy has educated leaders who have guided Ukraine through history’s greatest challenges. Despite relentless attacks on Kyiv, KMA students and faculty press on—emerging from bomb shelters each morning to continue their studies in mutual support.
Their courage and perseverance inspire us all. With your generosity, we have provided educational, psychological, and financial assistance. Your support remains vital. What we do today will shape Ukraine’s future generations. Together, we can empower Ukraine’s future leaders.
To donate online: https://www.kmfoundation.org/ (Click"Donate") Or Mail a check payable to Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America: P.O. Box 46009, Chicago, IL 60646
Symposium at Northwestern University's Buffet Institute for Global Affairs
Kyiv Mohyla Foundation co-hosted Dmitro Klimkin, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine at Northwestern University
On April 4, a major symposium took place at the Buffet Institute for Global Affairs atNorthwestern University, featuring notable speakers including Pavlo Klimkin, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Bill Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador, and Sergio Jaramillo, Colombian philosopher, politician, and President of Fundacion Acordemos, who previously served as Colombia’s High Commissioner for Peace.
The event brought together experts from around the world, each a recognized authority on negotiations during military conflicts. Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America was a co-host and supporter of the symposium.
Pavlo Klimkin, former minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine, a key participant at the event, inspired the audience to ask many questions, and his answers, often laced with humor, resulted in many statements of support for Ukraine and condemnation of the Russian invasion and violation of all international rules. Mr. Klimkin is currently a faculty member at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in the Department of International Relations at the master’s and doctorate level.
During his stay in Chicago on April 5, Mr. Klimkin was hosted for a presentation at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. During his remarks to a packed hall, he emphasized the critical role of American support for Ukraine, “Americans are vital to us, and we cannot afford to reject them and rely only on today’s Europe. In my opinion, this would lead to creeping capitulation. We critically need American support, which is why collaboration with the current administration is so important”. Motria Melnyk, president of the UIMA, welcomed the minister and invited him to return to meet with the large Ukrainian community of Chicago. Pavlo Klimkin also gave an interview to Dmytro Halan for Radio UA Chicago / Gazeta Surma and visited the Ukrainian National Museum.
Ukrainska Pravda recognized Lyuba Shipovich as one of the 100 most influential women in Ukraine. A graduate of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, she is an accomplished Ukrainian IT specialist, tech entrepreneur, and public activist who has combined her passion for technology with volunteer work since 2014.
In 2020, she founded DataOcean, a fintech company, and since 2022, she has been actively supporting the development of technology and volunteer initiatives. Lyuba, a co-founder of the Dignitas Foundation and Razom for Ukraine, shared her experiences and insights with the Ukrainian community in Chicago at several gatherings. The Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation has maintained a long-standing relationship with Lyuba, supporting her participation in events in Washington, New York, and Chicago.
In partnership with the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division, the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America organized a fundraiser at Le Piano Jazz Club to support education and technological development.
The event featured performances by top musicians, while local artists donated their work for an auction—blending culture, philanthropy, and the spirit of community.
Please help Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, USA continue its mission
Historic Achievement for NaUKMA at the 2025 Jessup International Moot Court Competition
Congratulations to KMA Faculty of Law! You are The Best!
For the first time in the 30-year history of Ukrainian universities participating in the prestigious Jessup White & Case LLP competition, the Faculty of Law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) has reached the global finals—securing an extraordinary achievement - second place at an international level.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court in the field of public international law. In 2025, more than 800 teams from 106 countries registered, with only 161 advancing to the International Rounds in Washington, D.C.
In the final round, the NaUKMA team faced off against the Singapore Management University, the most decorated team in the history of the Jessup.
Representing NaUKMA were: Anastasiia Shashkevych, Bohdana Yaruta, Vlad Levchuk, Vlad Myhalchenko. Coached by: Masha Stolbova, Maksym Dvorovyi, Ketevan Bejanishvili.
This historic success is a powerful example of how excellence, preparation, and a deep belief in the rule of law can unlock opportunities at the highest level of international legal practice.
We extend our warmest congratulations to the team and their coaches. You’ve made the entire Mohyla community incredibly proud!
Center for Leadership of Ukraine’s Defenders
Celebrating the Achievements of Our Veterans
Awards and Recognitions
We are proud to share the success of Hlib Stryzhko, a graduate of the “Leadership and Resilience” certificate program at the KMAVeterans Program, who recently joined the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine as an advisor to the First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy on Veteran Policy.
We wish Hlib continued success in his new role and deeply value the achievements of our graduates, who continue to serve Ukraine through leadership, expertise, and dedication.
A New Cohort of Veteran Leaders Begins Training
On March 8, 2025, we launched the second cohort of the “Leadership and Resilience” certificate program for veterans. This flagship initiative, developed by the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, is the first independent higher education program in Ukraine designed specifically for the veteran community of proactive citizens.
The program supports and equips veterans who aspire to work in public policy, civic engagement, and leadership roles that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and growth. Over the three months, participants undergo intensive training focused on leadership, resilience, and strategic impact.
With Gratitude to Our Supporters
The Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America extends heartfelt thanks to all our donors and sponsors for supporting this essential program for Ukraine’s defenders.
NaUKMA and Ministry of Defense Sign Memorandum to Strengthen Military Mental Health Support
NaUKMA and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at an official ceremony, marking a new step in advancing mental health care for Ukraine’s military personnel.
The initiative includes the involvement of the Kyiv-Mohyla Center for Mental Health, a nationally recognized center with over 10 years of experience in delivering psychosocial support in Ukraine.
As part of the collaboration, at least 40 military psychologists and clinical psychologists will undergo training in the CETAPSS evidence-based approach, which is grounded in international standards and designed to provide more effective psychological care in the context of ongoing war.
Beyond the training component, the memorandum also outlines plans to support research on the effectiveness of psychological rehabilitation for service members in inpatient recovery centers.
Honoring the Power of Women: 15 Members of the Kyiv-Mohyla Community Recognized in the UP-100 Awards
This year, 15 incredible women from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and Kyiv-Mohyla Business School (kmbs) have been honored with the “UP-100. The Power of Women” Award (Ukrainska Pravda). These women are transforming the country through their work, leadership, and dedication—defending Ukraine’s future and inspiring society in times of war.
The award celebrates women who, despite the challenges of wartime, continue to advance Ukraine’s defense, business, culture, science, and civil society, bringing us closer to victory.
🔹 Defenders:
Sharlotta Khmelnytska – Major in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Deputy Commander of the Information Resources Center at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Yaryna Chornohuz– Poet, servicewoman, and laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize
Oksana Rubanyak –Commander of a UAV unit and author
🔹 Civil Society:
Oleksandra Matviichuk – Human rights defender, head of the Center for Civil Liberties, and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Liuba Shipovych –Co-founder of the Dignitas Fund
Olha Aivazovska –Chair of the board, Civic Network OPORA
🔹 Education & Science:
Zoya Lytvyn –Head of the public association Osvitoria, founder of the Novopecherska Schooland the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine
Anna Novosad –Co-founder of the SavED Foundation
🔹 Politics & Public Administration:
Yuliia Kirillova– Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs
KaterynaChernogorenko – Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Transformation
Olha Stefanishyna– Member of Parliament
🔹 Culture:
KaterynaGornostai – Film director
🔹 Creative Industries:
Iryna Horova –Producer, founder & CEO of the Pomitni music label
🔹 Business:
Lera Borodina –Co-founder of the beauty space G.Bar
Oksana Muliarchuk– Director of the plasma center network at pharmaceutical company Biopharma
Thank you for your tireless work, and may your path be filled with even greater achievements ahead!
NaUKMA Recognized for Advancing Mental Health on Campus
The National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) received a high award for creating a psychologically safe environment as part of the nationwide mental health program "How Are You?", an initiative launched by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
At the award ceremony, special recognition was given to the impactful academic and educational efforts led by Oksana Boiko, Head of the School of Social Work at NaUKMA, as well as to the mental health research projects carried out by the Kyiv-Mohyla Center for Mental Health.
The event was held with the participation and support of the First Lady of Ukraine, along side representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, government officials, leaders of Ukraine’s top universities, and student self-governance bodies.
During the ceremony, First Lady Olena Zelenska emphasized the importance of mental well-being in academic settings: “Institutions of higher education must become hubs of psychological safety, where the shared process of learning becomes a source of mental healing for everyone involved.”
The development and implementation of the "How Are You?" mental health program is coordinated by the Mental Health UA Coordination Center under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, with expert support from the World Health Organization(WHO) Ukraine.