St. Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics (UMTE) celebrates First-Year Student Day at some of the city’s most significant historic venues. On 31 August, the Grand Hall of the D. D. Shostakovich St. Petersburg Academic Philharmonia opens its doors to UMTE first-year students.
The ceremony began with the University Student Choir performing the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, followed by the ceremonial presentation of the flags of the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg.
UMTE Rector Oleg Smeshko was the first to welcome the new students: “Studying is hard work that requires daily effort, but at the same time it is very interesting. Our active students will become your mentors and help you become part of university life.”
The University’s partners also came to congratulate the newly enrolled students, including representatives of public authorities and the business community, academics, and public figures.
Peter the Great himself also ‘came in person’ to welcome the first-year students of St. Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics: “Vivat, St. Petersburg! Vivat, Russia! Vivat, the University!”
Knowledge Day always marks the beginning of a new stage in the University’s development. Representatives of the University leadership, faculty, current students, and first-year students launched this new stage together by pressing a symbolic button to start the countdown to a new era.
Senior students passed the symbolic ‘Key to Knowledge’ on to the new generation of students. UMTE alumni from different graduating classes also shared their best wishes and words of encouragement, showing by their own example how the knowledge gained at the University helped them build successful careers and find their true calling. “Set ambitious goals for yourselves and strive for great achievements,” they told the first-year students.
Bright musical and dance performances were presented by SPBand, an interuniversity student vocal ensemble, and SODA, the UMTE dance team.
