More than 40 University students receive the title of the best graduates at St Petersburg University

Nikolai Bondarenko, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St Petersburg, addressed the participants in the event with a welcoming speech. He focused on the importance of education and intellectual potential in the modern world and expressed gratitude to the management and academic staff at St Petersburg University for preparing high-calibre specialists who contribute to the development of the city and the country.

Today is a very important and significant day in your life. Your student days have come to an end. You have graduated from the University, one of the most renowned universities in Russia and the world. You have received an excellent education. Today, in front of you is a wide road to take. Russia is waiting for you.

Nikolai Bondarenko, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St Petersburg

He also wished graduates to achieve great success and make a significant contribution to the development of various scientific fields and said that this day would be the beginning of a rewarding professional path.

In the year of the 300th anniversary of the oldest Russian university, holding a ceremony honouring the best University students in the Mariinsky Palace is a special honour both for graduates and for St Petersburg University. This was particularly emphasised by Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev in his welcoming speech. He also congratulated graduates on the successful completion of their studies and expressed confidence that the education received at the University would become a strong foundation for the future achievements. "This year, St Petersburg University is awarding diplomas to more than 5,000 graduates. 1,400 out of them graduate with honours, and 41 University students are the best. Today, you are taking a new path. Endless possibilities are opening up in front of you. You may not become great leaders or great scientists. You need to learn to enjoy life. Try to live a happy life. The country is doing everything for this. You are the best, which means you are the ones who move together with our beloved Motherland," the Rector concluded.

The title of the best graduate was awarded to University students based on the results of the portfolio contest among students in the bachelor’s, specialist’s, and master’s programmes. The selection process included an assessment of academic and research achievements, including participation in scientific projects and sports competitions; the status of a winner or prize-taker in professional case championships; and an active participation in social and cultural activities. Applications for the contest were submitted from students in 20 areas of study.

"We really hope that every year the number of graduates participating in this contest will increase. Everyone who is recognised as the best has a winning set of skills that enable them to demonstrate a high level of competencies and readiness to face professional challenges. What is even more important is that they have motivation and an active civic position," said Vladimir Savinov, Vice-Rector for Educational Activity at St Petersburg University. St Petersburg University is home to some of the most talented, purposeful and motivated students who, after completing their studies, are well equipped with knowledge and skills to become professionals and prominent figures in their chosen field, said Vladimir Savinov.

Every graduate at St Petersburg University, no matter what professional direction the University is developing in, is the best. Since the University equips our students with knowledge in all areas of study, our best graduates will benefit science and life: from art to physics and mathematics.

Vladimir Savinov, Vice-Rector for Educational Activity at St Petersburg University

According to the results of the portfolio contest, the best graduate at St Petersburg University in 2024 is Boris Kovalev, who studied philology. During his studies, he demonstrated outstanding achievements in both academic and research activities. He received the status of a winner and prize-taker in the student Olympiad "I am a Professional", the international contest Petropolitan Science (Re)Search, and the Olympiad of students and graduates "Higher League". He prepared several biographies and poetry collections and published 13 books. Being a Spanish philologist, Boris Kovalev is actively involved in translation activities, including texts by such famous authors as Miguel de Cervantes, Federico Garcia Lorca, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Luis de Góngora, Fernando Pessoa, and Jorge Luis Borges. 

"Six years ago, I was painfully waiting for the exam results and dreamed of becoming a student at St Petersburg University. When I was admitted, I had a feeling that my dream had come true. Then, I began to make efforts to achieve my goals. Now, I am the best graduate at St Petersburg University. My achievements include scholarly papers, grants, and research projects. I’m happy that the lecturers trust me and engage me in their work," he said. In future, he plans to go into scientific and teaching activities and work at St Petersburg University, he added. 

Among the best graduates are students who have not only achieved outstanding results in scientific and academic activities, but also have an active civic position and develop the sphere of patriotic education. Vladimir Sukhinin, a graduate of the master’s programme in International Relations and a participant in the special military operation, said that the contest was another confirmation of the wide opportunities that the University provided to students.

St Petersburg University is a second home for me after Donetsk National University. I am glad that I live in this city, at this University, next to these people. The path to achieving my goal was thorny, but I am grateful to St Petersburg University for all the opportunities it provided me for development as a specialist, and to the people who helped me, listened to, advised and objectively criticised.

Vladimir Sukhinin, a graduate in the master’s programme in International Relations and a participant in the special military operation

Kristina Rumiantseva, a graduate of the bachelor’s programme in Philology, talking about her achievements and victories in various international intellectual contests, said that it was necessary to build a career trajectory as early as at school. This approach will help to more easily cope with difficulties on the professional path. "During the four years of studying at the University, I had a grant from the President of the Russian Federation, which I was awarded for winning the Russia-wide Olympiad for schoolchildren. I believe that you need to initially prepare yourself for serious challenges in order to be able to make efforts, find information, think and make decisions in different situations and, if necessary, be able to lose with dignity. I’m very glad that I started taking part in the Olympiads early, it gave me a lot of strength," said Kristina Rumiantseva. 

Anna Proturo, who completed her studies in the bachelor’s programme "Management", said that at the University she was able to achieve not only academic success, but also take part in sports team competitions, social activities, and make friends to solve professional problems. "I put a lot of effort into winning cases, ensuring excellence in my studies, and organising the Youth Labour Forum and other events," said Anna Proturo. "I will definitely remember the unique community of the Graduate School of Management at St Petersburg University to which I belonged throughout my years of study. It inspires me to move forward and sets the pace for my future career." 

In addition to the diploma, everyone received a St Petersburg University graduate badge and a commemorative book from the University. At the end of the ceremony, the student hymn "Gaudeamus Igitur" was performed by the St Petersburg University choir.