On 29 May, Lviv Polytechnic hosted a solemn meeting of the University Academic Board on the occasion of the inauguration of Rector Nataliia Shakhovska.
The ceremony began with a minute of silence in memory of the heroes who laid down their lives defending our freedom and statehood.
According to the host of the event, Head of Lviv Polytechnic Promotion Centre Andrii Pavlyshyn, in all the epochs of formation and development of our university, its rectors – outstanding personalities who set the main vectors of development – played a decisive role. Since its foundation, Lviv Polytechnic has been led by more than 50 rectors – prominent scientists, public and political figures, each of whom has made an invaluable contribution to strengthening the university’s authority. For eighteen years, Lviv Polytechnic was headed by Professor Yurii Bobalo, a wise manager and strategist, scientist, patriot and statesman. It was an era of dynamic development, innovations and significant achievements for our university. Under the leadership of Yurii Bobalo, Lviv Polytechnic not only overcame challenges with dignity, but also established its status as a leader in higher education and science in Ukraine, continuing its traditions and multiplying its achievements.
Yurii Bobalo said in his address:
– Today is a special and touching day for me – my tenure as Rector is coming to an end. It has been a journey full of challenges and anxieties, joy and inspiration, cooperation and joint growth.
I am leaving this position with deep gratitude to the university community – for their trust, for their support, for the opportunity to be part of the great history of Lviv Polytechnic. But I am staying here with my heart, my mind and my empathy.
Dear Nataliia Shakhovska! Today I am handing over to you not only my position but also a symbolic relay of traditions and hopes. From now on, you have a great responsibility on your shoulders. And with it comes great honour and great opportunities.
A university is first and foremost about people, with their dreams, ideas, experiences and victories. And being a rector means serving these people. Such service requires not only professionalism, but also spiritual strength, sincerity and wisdom. Sometimes it requires silence and determination.
Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Mykhailo Vynnytskyi joined the event via videoconferencing. Announcing the order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on the appointment of the Rector of Lviv Polytechnic National University, he said:
– Lviv Polytechnic today is one of the key universities in the Ukrainian higher education system. It is the largest university in the country by number of students. On my own behalf, as well as on behalf of the Minister and the entire Ministry, I would like to emphasise that we have high expectations for the processes of renewal, rejuvenation and growth of the viability of this academic community.
I congratulate you, Ms Shakhovska, on your new challenge. You have a great responsibility, but great opportunities as well.
After the official announcement of Nataliia Shakhovska’s appointment as the Rector of Lviv Polytechnic, Yurii Bobalo handed her the rector’s insignia.
After taking the solemn oath, Nataliia Shakhovska addressed the audience:
– It is a great honour for me to stand in front of you in the oldest technical university in Ukraine – the largest technical university in our country. This is a place where not only knowledge but also values that shape our future have been passed down from generation to generation.
Lviv Polytechnic is not just a building and not just a university. It is a living community of scientists, innovators, researchers and dreamers. It is a space where ideas that change the world are born. These are people who believe in the power of education, science and service to society.
I understand the great responsibility of the rector’s position. It is not just an administrative or academic role – it is a promise to serve the university, to be the voice and heart of our community, to hear and support everyone.
Lviv City Mayor Andrii Sadovyi and Head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration Maksym Kozytskyi also joined in the greetings. Paraskoviia Dvorianyn, a member of the Lviv Regional Council, and Taras Kytsmey, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the University, Doctor Honoris Causa of Lviv Polytechnic, co-founder and Board member of SoftServe, also expressed their congratulations.
