Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is marking its anniversary with various initiatives. A few days ago, a solemn event was held at the Kaunas Cinema Centre ‘Romuva’ – on this significant occasion, representatives of the country’s highest institutions, municipalities, the academic community, business and non-governmental organisations gathered for a festive meeting.
Among the guests were Dr Saulius Olencevičius, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Prof. Dr Vigilijus Jukna, Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Raminta Popovienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, mayors and vice-mayors of municipalities, university rectors, vice-rectors, heads of scientific institutes and trade schools, representatives of business and social organisations.
‘The 25th anniversary is a significant anniversary, providing an opportunity not only to look at the work done but also to see the prospects for the future. Today we celebrate a history that, as it could have been, did not unfold consistently and without contradictions,’ said Dr Andrius Brusokas, Director of the Kauno kolegija.
He added that different approaches and competencies, combined into one harmonious whole, allows to create innovative solutions, look boldly into the future, and respond to challenges faster and more flexibly than ever before.
‘Over a quarter of a century, Kauno kolegija has become a modern, innovative and open higher education institution. Here we consciously create a space where every voice is heard and every idea is valued. By emphasising unity, we invest in what is truly important – in human capital, togetherness, the need to act together, to improve,’ noted Dr A. Brusokas.
Vice Director for Research and Development, Chairperson of the Academic Council Dr Inga Stravinskienė emphasised that over this quarter of a century, the quality-based identity of Kaunas kolegija has been created: 2014 and 2022 are years when the institution’s activities are evaluated extremely positively by international higher education experts.
‘For a fairly young organisation, still managing the changes experienced during mergers, pooling dispersed human and material resources to ensure high quality of studies, this is truly an important international recognition in order to successfully operate in the European higher education area,’ said Dr I. Stravinskienė.
Kauno kolegija Council Chairperson Dr Nerijus Pačėsa emphasised the community’s drive to achieve ambitious goals: ‘As the Chairperson of the Council, it is important to me that one of the most important higher education institutions in Kaunas and the country does not lack strategic ambition and the ability to respond to the needs of a changing society. Being in this position, I had the opportunity to see that both the management and the entire community set themselves high goals and, undoubtedly, have something to be proud of when looking at the work done.
Greetings from national leaders were shared during the event
During the ceremonial gathering, the Kauno kolegija community was congratulated on behalf of the President of the Republic of Lithuania by Adviser Dr S. Olencevičius, who wished inspiration for even bolder goals, strengthening international cooperation, accumulating scientific capital and strong leadership: ‘This is a quarter of a century of consistent work, responsibility and service to education and society. Kauno kolegija stands out for its ability to combine academic quality with practical skills, to turn to the regions, to prepare people who not only acquire knowledge, but also become mature, responsible creators of the state. This is an important contribution to the progress and future of Lithuania.’
In her congratulatory speech, the Minister of Education, Science and Sport, R. Popovienė, emphasised the importance of people and their contribution to the creation of the organisation: ‘The history of Kauno kolegija is created by people. And indeed, by nurturing the traditions of higher education, you emphasise a very important direction – regionalism and bringing science closer to young people. So today I want to wish that this anniversary will become a new inspiration to continue to strive for innovation, maintain leadership and successfully create high-quality and competitive higher education.’
‘Kauno kolegija is famous for its professional lecturers, and students of this educational institution are welcomed by employers in engineering, business, agriculture, humanities, etc. I wish the entire team great success in courageously embarking on the difficult scientific path full of competition and global challenges, preparing professional, responsible and dedicated employees for Lithuania,’ Adviser Prof. Dr V. Jukna congratulated the Kauno kolegija community on behalf of Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
Honorary awards were presented to distinguished members of the community
During the event, former directors of Kauno kolegija were awarded honorary member titles. Paulis Baltrušaitis was awarded the honorary member title for his professional activities and contribution to Kauno kolegija. During his leadership, the institution was strengthened as a higher education institution of applied sciences, capable of responding to the needs of modern society.
‘Over more than three decades of activity at Kauno kolegija, Paulius Baltrušaitis has become an integral part of the institution’s history: from engineer to director and back to academic activities – his professional path testifies to his strong commitment to the mission and values of the Kauno kolegija,’ said Dr I. Stravinskienė, Chairperson of the Academic Council.
For his many years of administrative and pedagogical work, significant contribution to the culture of Kauno kolegija, and the fostering of human, national, and civic values, the title of honorary member was also awarded to Dr Mindaugas Misiūnas.
‘Mindaugas Misiūnas’ personal contribution to the growth and development of Kauno kolegija – one of the largest and most promising higher education institutions in Lithuania – is obvious. Thanks to his high personal erudition and effective leadership, Kauno kolegija has occupied and occupies leading positions in the ranking of Lithuanian higher education institutions,’ noted Dr I. Stravinskienė.
A soon-to-be-released book was presented
To mark this significant anniversary, the book ‘The History of Kauno kolegija: Crucial Moments and Decisions’ will be published in the near future. This is an unconventional historical publication that will consist of 20 interviews with the most important personalities of Kauno kolegija’s past and present: management, academic staff, representatives of social partners and alumni. The aim of preparing the book is to present the history as an engaging narrative for the reader.
The book examining and presenting the history of the Kauno kolegija is being prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr Ramūnas Čičelis of the Academy of Arts, Faculty of Arts and Education, Kauno kolegija – the author of eight books of various genres, an experienced debater and moderator with three decades of experience in journalism.
During the festive event, the book, which will be published in October, was presented in a discussion format: former long-time director of Kauno kolegija Dr M. Misiūnas and Lithuanian political and public figure, former Head of the Department of Collegiate Studies of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, honorary member of Kauno kolegija Antanas Levickas recalled the history of the institution, the challenges of that time, and shared insights into the changes in higher education and the role of the Kauno kolegija in today’s education system.
This year, Kauno kolegija and its community celebrate the significant 25th anniversary of the establishment of the higher education institution. Over a quarter of a century, Kauno kolegija has grown into a modern, open and innovative educational institution, occupying a strong position among Lithuanian higher education institutions, and the experience gained and the strong community gathered have become the basis that today allows us to achieve the highest scientific, cultural and social goals. This anniversary will be accompanied by the slogan ‘Diversity, Creativity, and Synergy’.
On 21st November, Kauno kolegija will invite the community and the public to another event – that day, a lively concert will be held in the Kaunas Sports Hall, inviting all Kaunas students, teachers and alumni to come together to celebrate the upcoming International Students’ Day.
More moments from the event can be found on Kauno kolegija’s Facebook.
