Partners, friends and colleagues congratulated VSUFT on its 95th anniversary: honoring the university and its staff at the Voronezh Concert Hall

Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after G.F. Morozov, one of the flagships of national forestry education and science, celebrated its 95th anniversary. The gala event brought together not just guests, but long-time partners and friends, whose support over the years has contributed to the university's dynamic development. The celebration was a vibrant demonstration of unity and recognition of VSUFT's contributions to the region and the country.

The culmination of the celebrations was an event held in the Voronezh Concert Hall. It began with an artistic reflection on the university's rich history. Those gathered were treated to a screening of the documentary "VSUFT 95 Years of Success", created by the creative team of director Vladimir Parshikov and screenwriter Svetlana Popova. The film, a video chronicle of the university, allowed viewers to immerse themselves in the formation and triumphant achievements of the "Voronezh Forest School".

Distinguished guests addressed the university staff with welcoming addresses and words of gratitude. Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Alexander Vasilyevich Gordeyev delivered a congratulatory address. His address, read by moderator Yuri Smyshnikov, emphasized the graduates' deep connection with their alma mater and the university's national significance.

Long-standing partners of the university spoke about the key role of VSUFT in training highly qualified personnel for the Russian forestry industry and developing the industry's scientific and technological potential.

Sergey Nikolaevich Petryashov, Chief Federal Inspector for the Voronezh Region of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Central Federal District, noted the staff's invaluable contribution to the socioeconomic development of not only the region but the entire country.

On behalf of the Governor of the Voronezh Region Alexander Viktorovich Gusev, Deputy Chairman of the Voronezh Region Government Oleg Nikolaevich Mosolov congratulated the staff on their anniversary. He presented a Certificate of Gratitude to the staff of VSUFT "For their significant contribution to the training of highly qualified specialists and in connection with the celebration of the 95th anniversary of the institution's founding", emphasizing the close and fruitful collaboration between the regional government and the university.

Warm words were spoken by Metropolitan Leonty of Voronezh and Liski, who noted the importance of the long-standing cooperation between the Voronezh Diocese and the university in the spiritual, moral, and patriotic education of youth.

Lyubov Anatolyevna Kulakova, Deputy Head of the Voronezh City Administration for Social Policy, spoke about strong partnerships that facilitate the implementation of city improvement programmes and support for young talent.
Vladimir Ivanovich Klyuchnikov, Deputy of the Voronezh Regional Duma and Chairman of the Committee on Ecology and Nature Management, spoke about the importance of joint work in the field of ecology and environmental management.

The evening culminated in a large-scale awards ceremony for employees whose work constitutes the intellectual strength and glory of VSUFT. Lyubov Anatolyevna Kulakova presented Certificates of Honor on behalf of the Voronezh City District Administration "For long-term conscientious scientific and pedagogical work in the system of higher education, significant personal contribution to the training of highly qualified specialists, and in connection with the 95th anniversary of the founding of the educational institution" to:

1. Vladimir Mikhailovich Bugakov, Advisor to the Rector's Office, Doctor of Technical Sciences;
2. Svetlana Sergeevna Morkovina, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor;
3. Irina Ivanovna Dementyeva, Chief Legal Adviser to the Rector's Office;
4. Valentina Ivanovna Antsiferova, Associate Professor of the Information Technology Department, Candidate of Technical Sciences;
5. Nina Petrovna Safaeva, Lead Accountant of the Settlement Department of the Accounting and Financial Control Department;
6. Ivan Vasilyevich Sapronov, Head of the Mathematics Department, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences;
7. Elena Albertovna Maklakova, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor;
8. Elena Vladimirovna Raetskaya, Associate Professor of the Mathematics Department, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

Vladimir Ivanovich Klyuchnikov, on behalf of the Voronezh Regional Duma, presented Certificates of Honor "For long-term conscientious work in the higher education system, significant contribution to the development of the University, and in connection with the 95th anniversary of the University's founding" to key executives and scientists, including:

1. Vladimir Anatolyevich Zelikov, Vice-Rector for Educational Work and Youth Policy, Doctor of Technical Sciences;
2. Aleksey Aleksandrovich Aksyonov, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Candidate of Technical Sciences;
3. Vladimir Konstantinovich Zolnikov, Director of the Institute of Digital and Intelligent Systems, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor;
4. Ivan Vasilyevich Kuznetsov, Head of the Physical Education Department, Candidate of Biological Sciences;
5. Valery Aleksandrovich Ivannikov, Head of the Machine Production, Repair, and Operation Department, Doctor of Technical Sciences;
6. Natalya Yuryevna Evsikova, Head of the Department of General and Applied Physics, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences;
7. Valery Ivanovich Posmetyev, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor;
8. Elena Aleksandrovna Yakovleva, Head of the Department of Global and National Economy, Doctor of Economic Sciences;
9. Sergey Mikhailovich Matveyev, Head of the Department of Forestry, Forest Inventory, and Forest Management, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor;
10. Ekaterina Valentinovna Kantieva, Head of the Department of Mechanical Wood Technology, Candidate of Technical Sciences.

The presentation by Mikhail Nikolaevich Kozlov, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Forestry (Rosleskhoz), was of particular significance for the university. He emphasized that VSUFT is a reliable, key university in the industry, whose graduates and scientific research largely determine the modern face of Russian forestry.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Mikhail Nikolaevich Kozlov, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Forestry, demonstrated the strong ties between the university and the relevant Federal Agency. Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Forestry, Mikhail Nikolaevich Kozlov, presented the university staff with two of the highest departmental awards.

One of them is a Certificate of Gratitude to the VSUFT staff "For significant contribution to the development of the university and the effective training of highly qualified specialists for forestry and the woodworking industry, personal contribution to improving the student educational process, and long-term conscientious work in the higher education system".

The presentation of the commemorative badge of the Federal Agency for Forestry, established specifically for the university's 95th anniversary, was especially symbolic. This award recognizes the university's historical achievements and its role as a strategic partner of the state in training professional personnel for the forestry sector.

Also, for many years of conscientious work and personal contribution to the implementation of state policy in the use, reproduction, and protection of natural resources, and in connection with the professional holiday "Forest Workers' Day", Mikhail Valentinovich Drapalyuk, Rector of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after Georgy Fedorovich Morozov", was awarded.

A striking demonstration of the practical focus of the partnership between VSUFT and the Federal Agency for Forestry (Rosleskhoz) was the presentation ceremony for a certificate for a self-propelled tracked mulcher. Deputy Head of the Agency, Mikhail Nikolaevich Kozlov, presented the university with the keys to the high-tech machine, which will serve as the basis for the creation of a modern training facility.

This step will significantly strengthen the university's material and technical resources and will enable it to train specialists familiar with the most modern forest protection equipment.

The Federal Agency for Forestry awarded Vasily Aleksandrovich Slavskiy, Professor of the Department of Forestry, Forest Inventory, and Forest Management, the distinction "For the Conservation and Enhancement of Russia's Forest Resources".

Certificates of Honor "For significant contribution to the development of the university, the training and education of forestry specialists, long-term conscientious work in the higher education system, and personal contribution to the study and implementation of activities that contribute to improving forestry development" were presented to:

1. Larisa Vasilyevna Bryndina, Chief Researcher of the Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory of Scientific Laboratories of the Research Institute of Innovative Technologies and the Forest Complex;
2. Aleksandr Ivanovich Gorobets, Associate Professor of the Department of Forestry, Forest Inventory, and Forest Management;
3. Inna Vyacheslavovna Golyadkina, Associate Professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Soil Science;
4. Aleksey Nikolaevich Vodolazhsky, Associate Professor of the Department of Forestry, Forest Inventory, and Forest Management;
5. Natalya Vladimirovna Yakovenko, Chief Researcher of the Research Institute of Innovative Technologies and the Forest Complex, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor.

As part of the 95th anniversary celebrations of Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after G.F. Morozov, Anton Pavlovich Shashkin, Head of the Department of State Policy in Scientific and Technological Development of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, paid an official visit to the university. The high-ranking official from the federal ministry delivered a welcoming speech and held a ceremony presenting state awards to university staff.

In his address to the VSUFT staff, Anton Pavlovich noted the university's significant contribution to the development of higher education and the training of highly qualified personnel for the Russian forest industry. "I am confident that the university will continue to be a reliable partner for the state in implementing strategically important tasks in education and science", - the head of the Department emphasized.

During the ceremony, the following departmental awards were presented from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation:

The title of "Honored Worker of Education of the Russian Federation" was awarded to:
• Tamara Nikanorovna Storodubtseva, Professor of the Department of Industrial Transport, Construction, and Geodesy.

The "Honorary Mentor" badge was awarded to:
• Irina Kimovna Lukina, Associate Professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Soil Science.

The "For Impeccable Work and Distinction" medal was awarded to:
• Igor Yuryevich Isakov, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor.

The following were awarded Certificates of Honor from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation:

• Sergey Ivanovich Polyakov, Associate Professor of the Department of Automation of Industrial Processes;
• Oksana Valeryevna Fesikova, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities;
• Irina Vladimirovna Chetverikova, Associate Professor of the Department of Forestry Mechanization and Machine Design;
• Marina Vladimirovna Kochergina, Associate Professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Soil Science.

The visit of the federal ministry representative and the presentation of state awards confirmed the high esteem in which VSUFT is held at the government level and underscored the university's status as a leading university in the field.

Representatives of key partner companies also addressed the celebratory events, acknowledging the university's long-standing and fruitful collaboration.

Particular attention was paid to the practical results of their joint work. Representatives of PJSC "Sibur" emphasized the successful implementation of joint environmental initiatives. A striking example of this collaboration was the implementation of a large-scale forest climate project in the Voronezh Region and the organization of the "ECO-Logical Future" summer school for students.

Anatoly Vasilyevich Kuznetsov, Chairman of the Voronezh Regional Branch of the "Russian Engineering Union", spoke about the importance of training highly qualified engineering personnel for the real sector of the economy. He confirmed that the strong friendship and mutual cooperation between the Union and the university are aimed at developing innovation and increasing the competitiveness of the mechanical engineering and forestry industries.

Konstantin Valeryevich Razvodov, Head of the Voronezh Region Head Office of the Central Black Earth Sberbank, in his speech described VSUFT as an important partner in the development of education, science, and innovation in the region. He praised the long-standing cooperation, including support for educational programs in demand in the current economic climate.

The celebrations also demonstrated the strength of the VSUFT alumni community. Deputy General Director of "Grafskaya Kuhnya" LLC, Aleksey Valentinovich Stepanov, on behalf of tens of thousands of graduates, stated that their work and professionalism are a solid foundation for the prosperity of businesses and the regions they have chosen to live and work in.

The anniversary event concluded with a joint performance of the university anthem, a symbol of unity, dedication, and confidence in the future of Alma Mater. This event not only celebrated 95 years of history but also outlined new horizons for development, based on a strong partnership with leaders of Russian industry and the economy.

The anniversary celebrations dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after G.F. Morozov were more than just a ceremony; they were a landmark event, confirming its key role in the national education and science system. The event demonstrated that the university functions as a strategic integrator, uniting the efforts of federal and regional governments, the scientific and educational community, and the real sector of the economy. VSUFT has established itself as a multidisciplinary center of excellence, combining fundamental personnel training, the generation of cutting-edge knowledge, and active technology transfer to the forestry industry. Its educational and scientific activities have a multiplier effect on the region's socioeconomic development, building human resources and innovative potential for sustainable natural resource management. This anniversary marks a turning point, marking the transition to a new phase of development – ​​from a traditional industry-focused university to a fully-fledged participant in the national innovation system. The university looks confidently to the future, remaining a flagship of forestry education and a driver of progress in its field.