A symbolic event "Key to the Second Century" was held at the central entrance of the Vitebsk Academy of Veterinary Medicine on the occasion of the university's 100th anniversary.
Two keys, which opened the doors of the then veterinary institute a century ago, were presented as a connecting thread between generations to fifth-year student Ksenia Valyushko and first-year student Zakhar Shandrokov. The event was attended by distinguished guests – Gennady Sabynich, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, and Ivan Smilgin, Deputy Minister – Director of the Department of Veterinary and Food Control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus.
According to Olga Gorlova, Rector of the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine (VSAVM), the university is an important component of the country's food security. It trains veterinary doctors who are responsible for the quality of products that reach our tables. Research and analysis show that 80% of graduates chose their specialty by vocation and passion. Olga Gorlova wished the young people that these key artifacts would open all doors on their life paths.
An exhibition from the collections of the university's museum and library was presented in the foyer of the veterinary academy. Among dozens of interesting exhibits were the diploma of graduation from the veterinary institute of Vyacheslav Khomich, who represented the first intake, the handwritten textbook of Professor Nikolai Prozorov, pre-war student record books, and much more.
Together with the distinguished guests, fifth-year students placed a message in a capsule for their peers in 2035. According to tradition, graduates meet for the first time ten years after graduation. Therefore, established professionals and aspiring specialists will read the message together.