During the 27th assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, which took place in early August at Boston College and gathered more than 200 representatives of Catholic universities from around the world, the Ukrainian Catholic University received the Federation’s award – the “Sciat Vt Serviat” medal, which reflects the Federation’s motto “Knowledge for the sake of service.” With such a symbolic gesture, the board of the Federation expressed support and solidarity with the UCU and the Ukrainian people, who are experiencing unjust aggression from Russia.
Accepting the award on behalf of the UCU community, the President of the University, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, expressed gratitude to the Federation and representatives of Catholic universities for their support. “Thank you on behalf of those people in Ukraine who hear air raids every day, who see rockets flying overhead and destroying nearby buildings. I thank you on behalf of those who give their lives,” he emphasized.
Speaking about the war experienced by his friends and colleagues in Ukraine, the Metropolitan noted: “This is a war in Ukraine and against it, but it is not only about Ukraine. This is a war for Europe and world democracy. I thank the International Federation of Catholic Universities for supporting Ukrainians who defend freedom worldwide. In the last three months, I have been to Ukraine and met with teachers, politicians, Church leaders, students, rich and poor, immigrants, and the military. Not a Ukrainian told me: “We must surrender. We must make concessions.” It is a life or death battle. The Russian invaders have demonstrated genocidal intentions, and I want you to know that Ukrainians are not giving up and highly appreciate your support.”
At the 27th Federation Assembly in Boston, UCU was represented by First Vice-Rector Taras Dobko, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development Sofia Opatska, and UCU Foundation representative Olga Zarichynska.
“The strategy of UСU 2025 is called “University that serves.” A somewhat unusual slogan for a university. But this is how all Ukrainians felt before the war, especially now. Testify. Serve. to communicate – has been our slogan for many years, which all our students, employees, and graduates know. “Knowledge for the sake of service” is an important recognition from our colleagues,” Sofiya Opatska notes.
The next assembly will be held in 2025 at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico.
