The first stop ‘Studentska’  showcased the talents of the contemporary dance studio ‘Just Dance’, alongside the dance groups ‘Yeiforiia’ and ‘Rhythmix Team’ from the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’. Contemporary choreography, Ukrainian cultural motifs, and elements of K-pop were woven into a single performance, highlighting the diversity and creativity of USUST student community.

The ‘Zirkova’ stop featured a vocal performance by Mariia Shvachkina and Kseniia Fedorova, students of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture’. Performing in both Ukrainian and French, the duet captivated the audience with a heartfelt musical performance.

USUST strong sporting tradition was reflected at the ‘Championska’ stop. The audience enjoyed performances by Daniela Chebotarova, a champion and World University Games gold medallist from the SEI  ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports’; the Exclusive cheerleading team led by Diana Zinchenko; and the dance duo Alina Lehka and Kostiantyn Siedniev from the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’. Together, their performances vividly demonstrated the successful fusion of sport, artistic expression, and stage performance.

One of the most moving moments of the programme was the ‘Peremozhna’  stop. Accompanied by Kvitka Cisyk’s iconic song Cheremshyna, dancers from the ‘Just Dance’ studio and cadets of the Faculty of Military Training of the State Special Transport Service conveyed, through dance, the story of a love tested by war. The emotional impact of the performance was further enhanced by video footage showing real-life reunions of Ukrainian service members with their beloved ones.

The outstanding creative achievements of USUST students were also recognised at the city level. On 24 June 2026, during the 82nd regular session of the Dnipro City Council, participants of the ‘Student Spring 2026’ festival were formally presented with certificates of recognition for their successful performance in the city’s largest annual student amateur arts competition.

On 29 June 2026, a  diploma awarding ceremony for 2026 master’s and bachelor’s graduates with honours was held in the square near the historic columns of the SEI ‘Dnipro Institute of Infrastructure and Transport’ of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies. The event brought together graduates from all educational and scientific institutes of USUST, their parents, lecturers, mentors and friends, becoming a symbol of the completion of an important stage in the lives of young professionals who will soon begin their careers in various sectors of the economy, science, education, industry, transport, construction, information technology, sports and other fields shaping the future of Ukraine.

The first to receive their diplomas were 25 master’s and bachelor’s graduates of the SEI ‘Dnipro Institute of Infrastructure and Transport’, who accepted congratulations from the director of the institute, Professor Mykhailo Kapitsa. After the awarding ceremony, the graduates, together with the university leadership, took a commemorative photo on the steps of USUST’s academic Olympus.

Diplomas were then awarded to 20 graduates of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture’. They were congratulated by the director of the institute, Professor Vladyslav Danishevskyi, who wished the young architects and builders professional accomplishments and successful participation in Ukraine’s future reconstruction.

The festive atmosphere was supported by the university’s creative groups. The audience welcomed with loud applause the USUST dance team, which included the student group ‘RITMIKS-team’ of the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’  and the modern choreography studio ‘Just Dance’.

Next, diplomas were awarded to 15 graduates of the SEI ‘Dnipro Metallurgical Institute. The awarding ceremony was conducted by the dean of the Faculty of Electromechanics and Electrometallurgy, Professor Vadym Selivorstov.

A particularly emotional moment was the awarding of diplomas to 30 graduates of the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’. The educational documents were presented by the director of the institute, Professor Olha Sverdlikovska.

A special creative gift for the guests of the celebration was a touching farewell student waltz prepared by the graduates of the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’.

The final stage of the diploma awarding ceremony was held for 30 graduates of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Physical Culture and Sport’. They were congratulated by the director of the institute, world champion, two-time Olympic medallist, Professor Viktor Savchenko, who wished the young specialists new victories in sports, professional life and personal endeavours.

The culmination of the celebration was the academic salute of the 2026 graduates. Following a long-standing university tradition, the graduates in academic gowns simultaneously tossed their mortarboards into the sky. This symbolic moment became a bright conclusion to student life, the fulfilment of dreams and the opening of new professional horizons.

The official opponents were Professor Yevhen Romat, Doctor of Economic Sciences , Professor of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and Professor Oleksandr Zozuliov, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of Industrial Marketing at the National Technical University of Ukraine ‘Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute’.

Competing in the triple jump, Alona Chass delivered a dominant performance to claim the gold medal with a jump of 13.55 m – her season’s best (SB). She confidently outperformed her rivals and secured one of Ukraine’s four gold medals at the meeting.

During the academic discussion, members of the specialized academic council  admitted that the dissertation is of high scholarly quality,  has practical significance, and contribute to the advancement of modern sports training methodology. Following an open vote, the council unanimously approved the decision to award Danyil Skrypets the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

This year’s celebration was truly a family occasion. Together with the graduates of the 9th and 11th grades, this important day was shared by students of the 8th and 10th grades, their parents, teachers, and alumni from previous years. The event’s special atmosphere was created by the heartfelt greetings delivered by teachers and class tutors, filled with warm wishes, gratitude for the years of shared work, and confidence in the future achievements of their students.The festive programme brought many vivid emotions to everyone. The traditional graduation waltz symbolised a farewell to the school years, while heartfelt guitar performances, poetry recitals, and a contemporary dance performance showcased the students’ creative talents and made the celebration particularly warm and memorable.

The most anticipated moment of the ceremony was the presentation of educational certificates and awards. Diplomas, certificates of achievement, and letters of appreciation were presented to the graduates by Kostiantyn Sukhyi, rector of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, and Halyna Yevsieieva, acting director of the lyceum. They wished the graduates confidence in pursuing their goals, passion for knowledge, successful realisation of their potential, and courage to face new challenges. The university and lyceum leaders also expressed their hope that many of today’s graduates would soon join the friendly student community of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, continuing their educational journey at one of the leading technical universities of the region.

More photos from the event are available here.

The Academic Council also congratulated Taras Dutko, coach of the USUST team, Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Education, and Honoured Master of Sports of Ukraine in football, on the university team’s victory in the nationwide sports competition ‘Shoulder to shoulder’. The rector highlighted the team’s successful performance throughout all stages of the tournament, including the Dnipro League, the interregional stage held in Mykolaiv, and the final competition in Kyiv, where the USUST team ultimately secured the championship title. On behalf of the organizers, Taras Dutko presented the University Museum with commemorative branded souvenirs, including a T-shirt, a cap, and certificates of recognition.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the USUST digital publishing, which operates under a Creative Commons licence. According to the speaker, 56 electronic books, textbooks, and educational manuals were produced last year. These publications have been made available through the institutional repository, the digital publishing website, and integrated into European open science platforms,  ensuring their accessibility and international visibility.

The study presented the first comprehensive comparative analysis of organisational and methodological approaches to physical recreation in the United States, European countries, and Asia. This made it possible to systematise the key structural components of this field, identify regional patterns in the development of physical activity among populations, and determine the major trends shaping its evolution.

Particular attention in the dissertation was given to the impact of socio-economic, cultural, and behavioural factors on public participation in health-promoting and recreational activities. Based on the findings, the author justified and developed an original organisational and methodological model for the advancement of physical recreation in Ukraine.

The successful defence of Serhii Serheiev’s dissertation represents an important contribution to the development of contemporary sports science and physical recreation in Ukraine. The research findings are of both theoretical and practical significance, as they may be applied to improve national and regional programmes aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

• 2 international Erasmus+ KA2 ;
• 6 projects funded by the National Foundation of Ukraine ;
• 6  state-funded research projects;
• 2 projects led by young scientists;
• 1 international bilateral research project.