On 25 November 2025, an outstanding scientist Svitlana Oleksiivna SHVACHKO (DSc in Philology, professor, academician of the Ukrainian Academy of Higher Education, founder of the SumDU Translation Department) celebrates her 90th anniversary.

The name of Svitlana Oleksiivna has long become synonymous with high professionalism, pedagogical skill, intelligence and humanity. Her scientific and life path is an example of deep devotion to philology, love for students and faith in the power of words.

Svitlana Oleksiivna is the author of more than five hundred scientific works, including monographs, textbooks, articles on translation studies, linguistics and typology. Dozens of PhD and DSc theses have been defended under her supervision. She is inspiration for several scientific schools. Her created Department of Translation became one of the centers of development of Germanic and translation studies in Ukraine.

Her lectures were distinguished by depth, logic and special charisma. Students recall she knew how to explain the most complex linguistic categories through vivid, lively and witty examples. Over years of her work at the university, Svitlana Oleksiivna educated a whole galaxy of scientists, teachers, translators, who still call her their mentor with warmth and gratitude.

On the anniversary occasion, colleagues and students of the professor shared their memories.

Oksana BROVKINA (deputy head of the Department of Germanic Philology):

“When I remember my student years, I first remember Svitlana Shvachko’s classes: creative, interesting, full of humor and professionalism. The gained knowledge still helps me. I remember how we studied stylistic techniques and tropes, and one of her examples – a give-me-my-money-back-or-I-will-kill-you look – immediately put everything in its place. Svitlana Oleksiivna is a person with a golden heart, a brilliant mind and incredible charm”.

For Vitalii DORDA, Svitlana Shvachko became a person who changed the trajectory of life and opened up the boundless world of language. Her influence, he says, still lives on in the attitude towards words and people.

Svitlana MIKHNO says she still remembers her studies with the famous philologist as the most vivid intellectual experience:

“It was Svitlana Shvachko who changed my idea of language and science in general. As a student, I believed that speech is words. At one of her lectures I heard: “Pause is also a means of communication”. And this became my discovery. For the first time, I saw language deeper than grammar, rules, intonation, stylistics and lexicology. From this small scientific “surprise”, my research passion began. My first scientific publication appeared thanks to her discipline. Svitlana Oleksiivna presented complex things in such a way that they became simple and inspired my own ideas. It was a special honor for us to realize that the only academician in philology in Sumy is our teacher,” – said Svitlana MIKHNO.

“I am sincerely grateful to fate for the opportunity to study with Svitlana Oleksiivna, a scientist of great erudition, nobility and humanity. She generously shared her professionalism, wisdom and love for science,” – added Olena YEMELIANOVA.

Larysa SHCHYHLO calls Svitlana Shvachko one of the recognized philology scientists: “Her deep professionalism, constant desire to learn new things and exceptional efficiency have deservedly won recognition in scientific community of Ukraine and far beyond its borders. Svitlana Oleksiivna makes a significant contribution to domestic science. She publishes monographs and articles, participates in conferences and seminars, is engaged in training of masters and postgraduates. But the most important thing is the personality, character and soul of our jubilee. Svitlana Oleksiivna is a person with a broad soul, a kind heart and a bright mind, ready to aid anyone who needs advice or support”.

Olena NAZARENKO notes: “A person with a smile. Honestly, I don’t remember her scolding anyone even once. I remember our classes and I see an open smiling face shining with goodness. How many facets did she and I not discover for ourselves, from translation studies and stylistics to graduate school classes. And this wise guiding phrase: “Read. Understanding will come later”. So, everything is correct. A person with humor, because how many times we laughed at her philological jokes and examples! And then we quoted these examples in our practice and made a new generation of students’ laughter. A person with a legend. Or as it is fashionable to say now: a brand of translation studies and philology of modern Ukraine. And I am incredibly proud that I was lucky enough to know this legend so closely!”

Antonina PROKOPENKO (deputy dean of the IFSK Faculty) calls the professor’s work “an odyssey of wisdom, inspiration, and devotion to science”. It enriches Ukrainian philology and inspires students and colleagues.

Svitlana BARANOVA (head of the Department of Germanic Philology):

“I thank God for letting me meet such an incredible person as Svitlana Oleksiivna Shvachko! Intelligent, sophisticated, charismatic, always elegant. She opened the way to science for many of us. I listened to her lectures on lexicology and stylistics of the English language as a student, and they were fascinating. Now, I teach stylistics myself and I always thank you, dear Svitlana Oleksiivna. My most sincere congratulations on the occasion of your anniversary! I love you and appreciate you infinitely”.

The most sincere greetings and wishes from the faculty staff were expressed by dean Olena SUSHKOVA: “Dear Svitlana Oleksiivna! Please accept my most sincere congratulations on the occasion of your glorious 90th anniversary. You are an example of dedication to science, education and professionalism. Your energy and nobility inspire colleagues and are a role model for young scientists. I wish you good health, cheerfulness, joy and new bright moments in life, sincere support and many more years of creative work. Thank you for your significant contribution to formation and development of the IFSK Faculty!”

The light that remains

All colleagues and students are unanimous: Svitlana Oleksiivna Shvachko is not only a highly professional scientist and teacher who stood at the origins of university philology and laid the foundation for SumDU translation development. She also radiates light, generously shares it with others and leaves it in their hearts.

Svitlana Shvachko rightfully belongs to galaxy of the best representatives of the large university family.

On this special day, the SumDU staff wishes good health, comfort, love and many bright, peaceful years ahead.

May your life, Svitlana Oleksiivna, continue to be illuminated by the gratitude of all who had the happiness to study with you, work alongside you, and be inspired by your wisdom, kindness and humanity!