This column continues, and each episode reminds us how much can be packed into a single week.
June 22
There are dates that need no introduction: June 22, 1941, is one of them. On that day, war entered the life of the Belarusian Polytechnic Institute, as well as the entire country, instantly and irrevocably. Dmitry Gorin, the institute's rector from 1937–1939, was mobilized into the Red Army – he went to serve in the 59th Fighter Aviation Division of the 14th Air Army, repairing aircraft engines. A native of the Ryazan region, a mechanic by trade, he served through the war to the end, rising to the rank of major, and after victory, returned to civilian life and science. He published over 70 scientific papers and supervised 11 candidates of technical sciences. For his outstanding service in the fight against the Nazi invaders, he was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor and the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, as well as the medals "For the Defense of Leningrad" and "For the Victory over Germany."
On the same day, third-year student Nikolai Yurkshtovich went to the front as a soldier in a communications regiment. He finished the war as a lieutenant in May 1945, and was awarded the Order of the Red Star and the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, and medals. After victory, he returned to his interrupted studies, became a candidate of technical sciences, and from 1962 served as the vice-rector for academic affairs at the Belarusian Polytechnic Institute.
The memory of this day lives on at BNTU to this day. On June 22, 2024, the university's student body, with the support of the Center for Ideological and Educational Work, organized a flash mob, "Songs of Victory," at the Stolitsa Shopping Center to commemorate the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War and the Genocide of the Belarusian People. The students performed legendary war songs, and the shopping center's patrons sang along. The significance of this heroic act is timeless.
June 23
June 2023 brought BNTU a special award. A gala awards ceremony was held at the Palace of Independence, among the participants of which was Anastasia Kozulya, a graduate of the Instrument Engineering Faculty, who received a Presidential Commendation for her excellent academic achievements and active social work. During her four years as a student, Anastasia served as a class monitor and participated in the academic and social life of the faculty and the university. "I am convinced that our university has always been able to bring together talented and promising, interesting and successful people," Anastasia shared.
June 24
In June 2002, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus adopted a resolution on a long-term plan for the development of the material and technical base of BNTU for 2003–2008. The document became the starting point for a large-scale modernization of the university's infrastructure and laid the foundation for the scientific and educational complex the university has today. Today's Polytechnic University is more than just academic buildings; it boasts its own scientific and technological park, "Polytechnic," modern research laboratories, innovation centers, and a well-developed student campus.
June 25
In June 1971, students of the Belarusian Polytechnic Institute were awarded high state awards for their outstanding work as part of student construction teams on industrial, agricultural, and cultural and community facilities, as well as for their excellent academic performance and extensive community service. By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 25, 1971, Viktor Chikin, a student of the Power Engineering Department, was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor, Leonid Kirilyuk, the Secretary of the Institute's Komsomol Committee, was awarded the Medal "For Labor Valor," and Alexey Izyumsky, a student of the Automobile and Tractor Engineering Department, was awarded the Medal "For Distinguished Labor." Student construction brigades were more than just internships; they became a school of life, where the character of future engineers was shaped.
June 26
This day has forever gone down in Minsk's history: on that day, in June 1974, the capital of Belarus was awarded the honorary title of "Hero City"—along with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal—for courage and heroism during the Great Patriotic War. Exactly 50 years later, representatives of BNTU took part in the celebratory events commemorating this anniversary. A flower-laying ceremony took place this morning at Victory Square. Viktoria Nevodnichaya, Head of the BNTU Center for Ideological and Educational Work, participated in the ceremony as part of the Belarusian Women's Union. University staff and students then laid flowers at the "Minsk – Hero City" stele. The memory of those who defended and rebuilt this city lives on at BNTU, whose history is inextricably linked with the history of Minsk itself.
Seven days, eight decades of history – and not a single stray page. This is the Polytechnic University.
