Today, with songs, chants, and inspiring greetings from guests in the university courtyard the new academic year at VILNIUS TECH was joyfully opened. The large crowd of students was welcomed by the university's rector, Romualdas Kliukas, the Minister of energy of the Republic of Lithuania, Dainius Kreivys, and the Vice-Minister of Education, science, and sports, Dr. Justas Nugaras, along with emeriti, alumni, and faculty members. This year brought even more students than last year – with an 8% rise in students from Lithuania and over 13% more international students.

VILNIUS TECH's rector welcomed all members of the academic community but in his speech focused primarily on the first-year students:

"Congratulations on starting one of the most interesting and meaningful journeys in life – your studies at Vilnius Gediminas technical university. This year, we invited everyone with the slogan – 'Switch on the courage to change the world!' Courage is your choice to create value for society and the world – you are already shaping the future today. Courage is also about leadership, exploration, discovery, and breaking stereotypes. Don’t be afraid to look for unconventional solutions, stay curious about innovations, and strive to be the best."

The Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania welcomed the first-year students who joined the ranks of future engineers, encouraging them to pay attention to the promising energy sector:

"I sincerely congratulate you on choosing technical and engineering studies. These disciplines are currently the most needed in the market and in high demand. Technology is changing the world – it has been and will continue to be the engine of the future. We are experiencing tremendous changes in energy, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a century. Working in energy and engineering is the future. I believe that many of you will build your careers and work in the energy sector of the future."

The Vice-Minister of Education, science, and sports, VILNIUS TECH alumnus Dr. J. Nugaras, in his speech highlighted the university’s strengths and its contribution to shaping the future of Lithuania.

"There are a few things I am proud of when I think about this university. First of all, its specialists are present throughout Lithuania’s engineering sector, in key state enterprises, creating our future and added value. Also, the university stands out for its pragmatism – the professors you meet here will usually get straight to the point without lengthy speeches, telling you exactly what you need to know. And – the pack of wolves, which is in each of us, so I also congratulate you today on joining this pack," said the vice-minister.

The president of the student representatives, Smilte Kiaunyte, encouraged students to dare to change and grow, not only as specialists but also as individuals, and to absorb all the knowledge the university provides.

After the congratulatory speeches, the new VILNIUS TECH students were ceremoniously matriculated – officially added to the student register.

The atmosphere of the event was enhanced by performances from VILNIUS TECH student Liepa Vasiliauskaite and artistic groups - the folk dance ensemble "Vingis," the choir "Gabija," and the orchestra.

You can find more moments from the event here.

Photos by Simas Bernotas and Aleksas Jaunius.