The current geopolitical environment reminds us of the fragility of freedom and statehood and the need to constantly strengthen institutions, critical thinking, trust in knowledge, and a strong moral stance. The university must help society navigate these complex times, maintain dialogue, and foster a culture of responsible decision-making. Our university’s traditional academic celebration on the eve of February 16 is a call to protect free thought, nurture knowledge, and act responsibly for the good of the state and all of us,” said Prof. Dr. Ineta Dabašinskienė, Rector of Vytautas Magnus University (VDU), greeting those gathered at the solemn meeting of the VDU Senate dedicated to the founding of VDU and the Restoration of the State of Lithuania.
The celebration marks two anniversaries each year: not only the founding of the University of Lithuania on February 16, 1922, later renamed in honor of Vytautas the Great, but also the restoration of the Lithuanian state on the same day in 1918.
This year’s session was dedicated not only to the awarding of doctoral degrees, but also to a special occasion – the Rector Emeritus diploma was awarded to mathematician, habilitated doctor of technical sciences, Vice-President and full member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, and long-time Rector of Vytautas Magnus University, Prof. Dr. Juozas Augutis.
“The title of Rector Emeritus expresses the community’s gratitude for his long-standing leadership and responsibility, which contributed to the development and stability of the university,” explained the Rector of VDU.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. J. Augutis expressed his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him and wished the university continued success in upholding the distinguished name established 104 years ago in Kaunas by eminent scientists and public figures. and to the new VDU doctors – to cherish the university, which has become their companion for life.
“The life of a university is similar to that of a person, a community, or a country. It has everything: a beginning and an end to certain activities. It is also similar in that the university is full. This feeling of fullness brings great pride in the university. It is not only about science, not only about studies, but also about communication, expressing positions, and creating new ideas,” said the rector emeritus of VDU, revealing that he was moved by this assessment.

During the ceremony, ten VDU students were awarded honorary scholarships named after the university, which are awarded annually to the best VDU students who have distinguished themselves in scientific, artistic, creative, sporting, or social activities representing their alma mater in Lithuania and around the world. This year’s scholarships were awarded to swimmer Kotryna Teterevkova and rower Benas Paunksnis. They were also awarded to Svajūne Grubinskaitė, Jonas Pačėsas, Klaidas Aretas Petručionis, Natalija Podiriaka, Viktorija Stankevičienė, Ugne Stražnickaitė, Akvilė Vasiliauskaitė, and Auste Žiogaitė.
The participants of the event were treated to musical greetings by VDU Music Academy soloists Paulius Kaminskas and Iveta Kalkauskaitė, together with the VDU Arts Center academic choir Vivere Cantus, conducted by Rolandas Daugėla. The performers were accompanied by Dominykas Šimonis.





