On 21 May 2026, SumDU traditionally joined in celebration of World Vyshyvanka Day – a holiday that unites Ukrainians around the world. This year’s event is particularly special, as this symbolic student initiative, which began in 2006, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

A themed photo flash mob was organized on the university campus. The large SumDU family – students, faculty, and staff – came to campus that day wearing embroidered shirts and dresses, took group and individual photos, and sincerely shared thoughts on why it is so important to preserve identity in times of great trials.

Celebration of unity

“Despite the shelling and all challenges around us, we are strong. We came together to demonstrate: embroidered shirts are not just a symbol of the Ukrainian nation; they embody our resilience, courage, and determination to do everything possible so that Ukraine can become a full-fledged member of the European Union as soon as possible, so that the war ends, and our students return to peaceful university classrooms. For SumDU, this is also a special celebration of unity. It is a day when we see each other’s smiles, a wonderful occasion to greet one another and show off our beautiful embroidered shirts. It is symbolic that what was once a purely student initiative has, over 20 years, spread across the entire country and the world. Today, the main rule is: wear your embroidered shirt with the belief that everything will be fine”, – emphasized Inna SHKOLNYK (acting rector and first vice rector).

“Vyshyvanka Day for Ukrainians is not just a formal date. It is continuity, the enduring nature of customs and traditions – that invisible thread of spiritual connection spanning many generations through centuries of trials. It is our calling card, just like our language and culture, a symbol of the indomitable spirit and national identity of the Ukrainian people. In the fifth year of Russian aggression, when all of Ukraine is subjected daily to shelling and bombing, it is so important to stand firm. Despite the fact that the morning was anxious and noisy, both SumDU and the city’s residents gave me personally faith and inspiration today”, – commented Raisa STOIAN (leading specialist at the Department of Journalism and Philology).

“On days like this, it’s incredibly important for us to come together – looking our best, smiling. This is the best proof that we are alive, that Ukraine is alive, and that this day truly unites us”, – noted Daryna KICHKO (student activist).

“This is a special day for all Ukrainians. Despite everything happening around us, we need to celebrate. This is how we prove to our enemies and the whole world that we cannot be broken or intimidated. We believe in our victory and rejoice in this day. Our holiday was, is, and will remain Ukrainian”, – emphasized Iryna KOVALENKO (deputy director of the library).

Alla KRASULIA (head of the International Affairs Department) shared a deep historical context of the holiday: “For centuries, we were forbidden to tell our fairy tales, sing our songs, and speak our language. But our people were able to embroider onto the canvas all that which the Russian tsars tried to destroy: love, sorrow, longing, and joy. Today, we open that symbolic chest into which memories of Ukrainian identity, language, and culture have been stored for centuries. And we proudly celebrate this even amid the sounds of air raid sirens in our native Sumy”.

Bridge between generations: Guests from the city lyceum

On this day, the university warmly welcomed young guests – students from Sumy Lyceum 33 – who attended the awards ceremony for winning a video contest hosted by SumDU.

“We were very lucky to share this celebration with the university. Our lyceum students actively participated in the video contest and won. We are sincerely grateful to the SumDU faculty for organizing such great events for schoolchildren in the city and region. This motivates children to keep learning. Our project was dedicated to importance of the English language, without which it is hard to imagine the present day. But as Kobzar said: “Learn from others, but do not forsake your own”. Despite all hardships, we continue to live, learn, and believe in the good. If Ukraine is here, we will be here too!” – shared Oksana SHUISKA (English teacher at Lyceum 33).

Vyshyvanka Day became a warm and bright occasion for the SumDU family to spend time together, chat, and take beautiful photos as a keepsake. It reminded each of us how important it is to stay true to our roots, preserve Ukrainian traditions, smile despite everything, and support one another. It is precisely these simple moments that give us strength, inspiration, and confidence that a calm, peaceful life awaits us in our native, free Ukraine.