On May 23, 2018 the grand opening of a resurrected historical object known as Rector`s entrance was hosted. The event became a part of 50th Anniversary of PSU celebration.
The Rector’s Office pays close attention to historical, cultural and educational development of Polotsk State University. It has launched the initiative for decorative doorway and porch renovation dated back to 18th – the beginning of 19th century. The object placed at the front of the historical building of former Polotsk Jesuit College. That mission was successfully completed thanks to the art group. The group itself comprised Pavel Voinitsky, the sculptor, and Vadim Glinnik, Roman Zabello, Darya Mandik – the architects.
The opening ceremony maintained a purely joyful atmosphere created by the Tourist Centre staff. It began with Polotsk College sightseeing brief outlook.
The Rector’s entrance oak door unit is embellished with eight bronze sculptural reliefs. Indeed, the latter embodies the sequence of the crucial events and period in PSU history starting from the times of Stephen Báthory and Piotr Skarga up to present:
- Polotsk College foundation
- Appearing of the first buildings
- Polotsk College golden age
- Polotsk College transformation into Polotsk Academy obtaining a university status
- Polotsk Higher Military College creation
- Polotsk College foundation and activity
- The existence of military hospitals at Polotsk College in the Soviet period
- Polotsk College buildings transfer to Polotsk State University
The idea bearing by the architects and project managers constitutes students and Lecturers, while contemplating, may feel their engagement with the university rich history. However, tourists may get a visual picture of a remarkable historical and architectural significance of Polotsk and its local educational traditions.
Welcoming all present, Dmitry Lazovsky, Professor of Engineering, PSU Rector, noted: «Dear students, academicians, members of Polotsk State University and guests! I am glad to welcome you in ancient Polotsk – the city that laid the foundation of the Belarusian statehood! The history of Polotsk College rooted in 1581. Currently, both students and Lecturers perceive their belonging to the oldest Belarusian higher educational institution.
We are opening one more historical object – the Rector`s entrance. Thus, we set the stage of yet one grave tradition of our university. This entrance is to open twice a year for solemn occasions. These include the beginning of an academic year and new students meeting and a graduation ceremony. There are certain books where students and graduates will write their names. That is, the names they leave turn into memories symbolizing the eternity of education on Polotsk land. Out students children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren may feel proud for their ancestors have studied at the oldest university of Belarus.
My congratulation to 50th Anniversary of PSU contemporary history! Congratulations on new historical object! Happy holiday!»
The grand opening was followed by awards distribution to Chancellor`s entrance managers and creators who included:
- Vladimir Strizhak, Vice-Rector for Administrative and Maintenance Work
- Pavel Kovalenko, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs
- Vadim Glinnik, sculptor and architect
- Pavel Voinitsky, artist and sculptor
Vadim Glinnik laconically addressed to the audience: «Congratulations to 50th Anniversary of PSU. It is already thirty-five years I am devoted to the renovation of historical cultural heritage of Polotsk. And I note another grand anniversary. 250 years ago the very first Department of Architecture was created on the Belarusian lands. Thereafter, PSU is a holder of a double celebration. My congratulations! I wish every happiness!»
Nikolai Shevchuk, Chaiman of Polotsk Regional Executive Committee, marked: «Another part of a marvelous ancient city and the oldest university in the country has been renovated yet. Surely, this heightens Polotsk attractiveness for tourists. We are proud our history is alive and people work for it to find its rebirth. Best wishes to 50th Anniversary of PSU contemporary history. Be our university flourish and Polotsk College full of student voices! 50th Anniversary of PSU greetings!»
Oleg Buevich, Chairman of Novopolotsk City Board of Deputies was brief: «The Belarusian Higher education started from Polotsk. Happy anniversary, university! Vivat, university! May peace, good and flourishing be! Greetings!»
A final part provided guests with an unprecedented possibility to get in Polotsk College through the Rector`s entrance.
Best wishes, dear PSU!