What is life like at SumDU today, and how does it envision its future? How does it manage to maintain high standing in global rankings and develop international cooperation during the war? Will a full-fledged student life return to classrooms? What makes SumDU students and graduates competitive, and how does the university help young people achieve their career goals? What inspires the university rector to keep moving forward amid prolonged crises, pandemic, and war?

TSUKR participants received first-hand answers to these and many other questions during the “Visionaries’ Breakfast” with Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector).

The event was moderated by Anna OLSHANSKA (brand director of the online media outlet “TSUKR”). Gathered around the same table were entrepreneurs, active young people, university alumni, and individuals who work daily to create new opportunities for development of the Sumy community.

Education and science amid the war

Vasyl KARPUSHA noted that despite war challenges and its frontline location, SumDU ranks among leaders in Ukrainian higher education, is consistently featured in international rankings, and advances science, education, and international partnerships while creating new opportunities for students.

The rector emphasized that the university is constantly working to create conditions for expanding in-person learning. In particular, a design has been developed for a modern protective shelter with a capacity of 500 people, which will meet current safety requirements and allow classes to continue during air raid alerts. Currently, SumDU is seeking partners and investors to implement the project, which is estimated to cost approximately 4.7 million US dollars.

At the same time, the university implements initiatives for children and youth; organizes preparatory courses, STEM classes, career guidance programs, and other activities in safe environments.

The participants paid special attention to the issue of student life. Despite war challenges, SumDU strives to maintain an active academic environment, support student initiatives, and create opportunities for young people’s development in educational and extracurricular activities. As Vasyl KARPUSHA emphasized, it is students who are the main source of inspiration in his work as rector and one of the key factors that prompted him to decide to run for a second term.

“SumDU students are active, and have a modern vision for development of higher education. During our meetings, they offer extremely sound suggestions that deserve attention and support,” – argued the rector.

An international brand that continues to be preserved and developed

One of the key topics was university’s international activities. Before the full-scale invasion began, SumDU was one of Ukraine’s most international institutions of higher education: more than 2,000 students from over 50 countries studied there.

Vasyl KARPUSHA recalled events of spring 2022, when the university organized evacuation of international students from Sumy. However, even under those circumstances, SumDU managed to maintain trust of international partners.

Today, some international students continue their studies remotely, and the university maintains active contacts with partners from Europe and other regions of the world, develops joint projects, and participates in international academic mobility programs.

The meeting also addressed cooperation with European universities, which not only continued after outbreak of the full-scale war but has actually become even more active in many areas. It is precisely thanks to such partnerships that SumDU implements new educational, research, and infrastructure projects.

Rebuilding with an eye toward future

The infrastructure recovery was also discussed. The rector spoke about implementation of projects to thermally modernize the library and the swimming pool, which is being carried out with support of European programs. Their goal is not only to restore these facilities but also to create a modern, energy-efficient, and barrier-free environment for learning, sports, and leisure.

The visionaries from the Central Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center were interested not only in the university’s present but also in its role in the future of Sumy. Therefore, they discussed not only education but also city’s development, support for local businesses, and training of specialists needed by the region.

SumDU plays a vital role in shaping the region’s human capital by training competitive specialists and creating environment for development of future leaders and professionals.

Breath of fresh air

Summing up, Vasyl KARPUSHA underlined importance of open dialogue with young people and community.

“Such meetings are very important for SumDU. I am particularly pleased that among visionaries of the Central Ukrainian Creative Hub are graduates of our university – active young people who care deeply about future of the city and the country. They ask direct and candid questions, and it is precisely through such dialogue that sound decisions and new ideas are born. For me, every meeting with young people is a breath of fresh air that inspires me to move forward together with SumDU,” – noted the rector.

Anna OLSHANSKA (TSUKR brand director) thanked SumDU and Vasyl KARPUSHA personally for willingness to host such meetings. “We believe that SumDU is one of the pillars supporting our city, as many graduates from various fields work in Sumy. And for us, business, students, and faculty, it is important to maintain these connections so that the university and our city can continue to develop,” – emphasized Anna OLSHANSKA.

The meeting served as yet another example of how the university remains open to dialogue, honest questions, and joint search for solutions. Young people, community, and university keep shaping a vision for Sumy’s future together.

Photo: TSUKR and SumDU