Derzhavin University held a university-wide graduation ceremony. The celebration brought together over 1,800 graduates from all levels of study, faculty, and distinguished guests.
This year, Derzhavin University has 3,365 graduates. Among them are 115 students from the Derzhavin Lyceum and 329 international students.
"This year, over three thousand students received their diplomas, and many of them have already chosen science as their life's work, confirming the high status of our university at the federal level," noted Pavel Moiseev, Rector of Derzhavin University. "The core values of our university are leadership and responsibility. We strive to instill these values in our students and strive to live up to them ourselves. We are also convinced that by developing ourselves, we develop the university and strengthen the scientific, educational, and human resources potential of the entire region and Russia."
The celebration began with a celebration of the best students of the class of 2026, who made it into the top 50 of the Derzhavin ranking. Anton Baranov, a first-year master's student at the Faculty of Mass Communications and Creative Industries, won the "Personal Ranking" category. Zlata Ivanova, a second-year student at the Faculty of Mass Communications and Creative Industries, won the "Best Academic Activity Ranking" category. Ibrokhimdzhon Kuziev, a sixth-year student at the Faculty of Medicine, won the "Best Research Activity Ranking" category. First-year master's students at the Faculty of Mass Communications and Creative Industries, Olesya Kozyreva and Alexander Sidelnikov, earned the best social activity ranking. Polina Stelmachenko, a third-year student at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, achieved the best sports activity ranking. Evstolia Sumina, a second-year student at the Faculty of Mass Communications and Creative Industries, excelled in the "Best Cultural and Creative Activity Ranking" category. The title of "Best Graduate" was awarded to three students: Alina Aksenova and Ekaterina Dronova, both graduates of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, and Alexander Oleynikov, a second-year master's student at the Institute of Pedagogy. Marina Aksenova, from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, was named the best first-year student.
"My student years at Derzhavin flew by in the blink of an eye, but they were incredibly fulfilling. The most memorable moments weren't the lectures, but the group trips, especially the ski camps in my first year: these moments bring us closer together," says Alina Aksenova, a graduate of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports. "Winning the 'Best Graduate' award was a pleasant confirmation for me that my efforts were noticed and appreciated, meaning I did everything right. This was facilitated by my discipline, dedication to my studies and sports, and the support of my teachers and family. But my studies aren't over yet: I plan to enroll in a master's program and further develop my skills in volleyball, which is my life's work."
A cover band performed for the graduates, and the city's top bartenders demonstrated their skills in crafting signature cocktails for guests. A raffle was also held to win valuable gifts from the university and its partners.
