On 5 December 2024, the SumDU Congress Center hosted the grand opening of the Photo Trail exhibition dedicated to the 20th anniversary of journalism, PR and advertising education at the Department of Journalism and Philology. The exhibition, which was prepared over a three-month period, is a retrospective of photographs covering the main stages of professional activity. The photographs were provided by students, graduates, faculty and staff of the department.

The opening was attended by representatives of local media, veterans, alumni, students, leaders of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and other guests.

Volodymyr SADIVNYCHYI (head of the Department of Journalism and Philology) opened the exhibition. He said the exhibition idea was born collectively and was also implemented through the collection and distribution of photos on various social media. They managed to collect more than 500 photos.

He noted the department graduates are building successful careers both in Ukraine and around the world, on many continents. They work in all types of media in the region, as well as on national and international TV channels and well-known information platforms.

“The results demonstrated by the Department of Journalism and Philology over 20 years of training media professionals are significant and substantial. The exemplary accreditation of the Journalism program at SumDU is confirmation of success of this specialty. It is nice that we have one of the highest levels of training in Ukraine,” – said Inna SHKOLNYK (first vice-rector).

By the way, only two higher education institutions in Ukraine have exemplary accreditations of the PhD program: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Sumy State University.

Olena SUSHKOVA (faculty dean) and Larysa YAKUBENKO (representative of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting in Sumy Region) welcomed the event participants.

On behalf of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, the chairman Serhii TOMILENKO greeted the event participants. He awarded SumDU and department members with diplomas for their significant contribution to training future media professionals. Together with Volodymyr SADIVNYCHYI, they presented membership cards to the new members – students and teachers.

Serhii TOMILENKO noted journalists, including students and graduates of SumDU, are at the forefront of the information struggle today.

“Many journalists keep doing their important work despite the war, in conditions of constant danger! They work in border communities, establishing a system of information dissemination right up to the border with the enemy. These journalists are heroes, they inspire Ukrainians and make an important contribution to the country life. Among them, there are students and graduates of the Department of Journalism and Philology. I sincerely congratulate the department on the holiday! Today, it is the result of quality education and training,” – said Serhii TOMILENKO in his congratulatory remarks.

SumDU sincerely congratulates the Department of Journalism and Philology on the 20th anniversary of training journalists, PR specialists and advertisers. We wish them further successful development!