SumDU hosted a special event to mark Journalist Day. It was organized in collaboration with the Sumy Regional Branch of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and the “Pivnich Media” news agency.

Participants honored memory of Sumy media workers who died defending Ukraine and expressed deep gratitude to those currently serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Serhii TOMILENKO (chairman of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine) as well as authority, public, commerce and cultural members addressed the journalistic community with greetings. Journalists, editors, media managers, and partners of Sumy media organizations were awarded for their contribution to development of the region’s media sector.

Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector) highlighted the journalists’ exceptionally significant contribution to covering wartime events and thanked media representatives for their professionalism, objectivity, and dedication to work.

The rector emphasized special role of journalism in countering enemy disinformation, providing citizens with timely and accurate information, and fostering public trust and resilience in wartime. Among those who today bring truth to the people of Ukraine are many graduates of the Department of Journalism and Philology at SumDU. Vasyl KARPUSHA noted the department’s long-standing work, which for over twenty years has been training highly qualified specialists for the media industry. He  emphasized importance of preparing new generations of journalists capable of working professionally amid modern challenges and information threats.

“Graduates of the Department of Journalism and Philology are pride of our university. They successfully train Bachelors, Masters, and PhD students. The department has achieved high accreditation results for its educational programs, particularly receiving an exemplary PhD accreditation”, – noted Vasyl KARPUSHA.

The rector wished the media community more reasons for good news, as well as resilience, optimism, and professional inspiration.

A separate event part was presentation of the nationwide charitable initiative “Hand of Support”, thanks to which a Rapid Response Fund was launched in the Sumy Region to assist journalists in crisis situations. Participants were also introduced to the “Towel of Unity” – a unique five-meter-long work of art created within the project “Revival of Slobozhanshchyna Embroidery: Threads of Memory and Unity.” Over seven months, 35 participants worked on the canvas alongside concerned Sumy residents under guidance of Natalia BABENKO (distinguished master of Ukrainian folk art). The project symbolism gives it special meaning: 5,640 meters of red thread were used to create the embroidery. This figure reflects length of the Sumy Region’s border with the aggressor country and embodies the idea of transforming a line of threat into a symbol of unity, memory, and the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians.

The festive atmosphere of Journalist Day was complemented by creative performances of artists from the Sumy Regional Philharmonic.

Holding of such events confirms the university’s status as an important center for development of media education, professional communication, and support for the region’s journalistic community.