Under the slogan “Inspired to Act, Ready to Win!” the UCU Business School held its 2026 graduation ceremony. About 70 executives, who arrived two years ago seeking new insights and tools to drive change in the country, have officially joined the alumni community. These are graduates of the master’s programs in Key Executive MBA, Innovations and Entrepreneurship, Technology Management, and Marketing Management, as well as the first cohort of the Managing Impact-Driven Organizations at the UCU Business School.
The graduation ceremony was a celebration of responsible leadership and a testament to the fact that even in the darkest times, education remains a light that guides us forward.
Leadership as Service and Impact
In keeping with UCU tradition, the festivities began with a communal prayer and a time of thanksgiving. Within the walls of the Church of St. Sophia, graduates, their families, and faculty gathered to honor Ukraine’s defenders and to ask for blessings for this new stage of life. As Father Oleksiy Saranchuk noted, the university is a unique place where intellectual enrichment is inextricably linked to spiritual growth and unity in love.
In his address, UCU Rector Taras Dobko emphasized the importance of solidarity and responsibility in times of war. He noted that the true fulfillment of an education lies not in keeping knowledge to oneself, but in the ability to generously share it with others.
“You have come from different regions of Ukraine, each with its own dreams and challenges. I hope that you will leave UCU not the same, but equally enriched. We are different by nature, calling, and gift. Each of you receives your own fulfillment—not someone else’s measure, but your own,” said the rector, drawing on Hryhorii Skovoroda’s concept of “unequal equality.”
Continuing this line of thought, Sofiya Opatska, founding dean of the UCU Business School and vice rector for strategic development at UCU, noted that the School’s true success is evident in its growth through its people: today, alumni are returning here as program directors and faculty members. She emphasized the importance of resilience, which we learn from our defenders:
“Remember, there are no days off in the Armed Forces. When you feel like feeling sorry for yourself—get back to work, because we must be worthy of their example,” urged Sofiya Opatska.
Yaryna Boychuk, CEO of the UCU Business School, emphasized that earning a master’s degree in today’s world is not only a personal achievement but also a great responsibility to society.
“Today, you are receiving confirmation that two years ago you dared to step outside your comfort zone. We are proud that you are becoming part of a community of people who strive not only for professional success but also for influence, service, and responsibility.”
Teachers of the Year: Mastery and Expertise
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the recognition of the best teachers, selected by students through a vote. Academic Director Nataliia Oboznenko emphasized that the School’s faculty combines academic depth with active leadership. This year’s winners were professionals who inspired students to embrace change every day. In particular, Scott Sehlhorst was recognized for his practical approach to product development, with results that students are already implementing in companies. Ihor Didok encouraged graduates to be ambitious and to see opportunities where others see problems.
In her address, Alla Heorhiadi emphasized that education is a collective endeavor that fosters a safe environment for community development. Andriy Grynchuk highlighted the legal aspects of responsible business, urging every entrepreneur to recognize their role in the public good. The awarding of the Yaroslav Hrytsak to Yaroslav Hrytsak was particularly symbolic; his recognition by the students underscored that historical context and a humanities education are the foundation for today’s manager.
Defeating “dragons” and aspiring to greatness
The guest of honor at the graduation ceremony was historian and UCU professor Yaroslav Hrytsak. In his speech, he addressed the resilience of Ukrainian society and urged the audience not to fear the future.
“Fear is a constructive emotion if you know how to handle it. We are often afraid, but fear should be constructive. As Chesterton said, we tell children stories about dragons not to scare them, but to teach them that dragons can be defeated,” the professor told the graduates.
Yaroslav Hrytsak urged the graduates to follow the legacy of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj—to “aspire to greatness” even in times of global turmoil.
The full text of the speech is available at the link.
This idea about the scope of influence was further elaborated by Daryna Kolmyk, the master of ceremonies for UCU’s summer celebrations and a graduate of the Master’s in Marketing Management program at the UCU Business School. She called on her colleagues to take on the responsibilities of adults:
“Today is the day when the world around us will not change globally, but our role in it will change—we must leave a greater mark of change even where we are not welcome.”
Read the full text of the speech at the link.
The highlight of the ceremony was a speech by Kateryna Polyvach, a graduate of the Managing Impact-Driven Organizations program. She emphasized that over the years of study, the words “Education enlightens” had become a personal experience of transformation for every student.
“Education enlightens, and now this light is ours. Our duty is not to keep it to ourselves, but to multiply it and carry it forward into our daily work, into our great dream, to everyone we meet along the way. For whoever has touched something great no longer has the right to shine at half-strength,” Kateryna noted.
A New Chapter for the Alumni Community
The event concluded with the traditional diploma ceremony and a welcome for the new members of the UCU Business School’s alumni community. This graduation was also historic because it marked the first time the School awarded master’s degrees to graduates of the Managing Impact-Driven Organizations program. The tossing of tassels symbolized the completion of their studies and the beginning of a new journey, in which each graduate embodies values and is ready to rebuild Ukraine and foster a culture of responsibility and service.
