Today, July 11, the courtyard of the Belarusian National Technical University was once again filled with laughter, joyful hugs, and warm memories. The 1981 graduates of the Faculty of Engineering and Pedagogics gathered at their alma mater to celebrate an impressive milestone – 45 years since their graduation.
In 1981, the students in this cohort (two mechanical engineering and three construction groups) created full-length graduation yearbooks, recording the addresses of each classmate and making a key promise—to meet every five years on the first Saturday in July at the main building. They kept this vow.
Maria Kasper, one of the main initiators of the meetings, shared the secret of this incredible unity:
"We created a group chat where we exchange archival student photos and find each other across years and distances. When someone from our group comes from abroad—for example, from America or Arkhangelsk—we immediately call each other and get together. We were a very lively and friendly group! We would always gather at a classmate's house; her mother would bake us amazing pancakes. We would celebrate Old New Year's together and run outside to tell fortunes." At the student dedication ceremony, they even composed their own ode to our faculty, declaring, "Call the wise men urgently, BPI ordered its creation... The wise men were summoned again, and a prophetic dream was shown. They created the IAP, and he set to work!" It was an unforgettable time.
Over the past 45 years, graduates have built impressive careers, and many of them admit that their university training was the foundation of their success. Maria Frantsevna herself, after graduating, was assigned to teach construction courses in the Arkhangelsk Region. Then came a move to Grodno, a change of career, and a rapid career advancement: starting as a secretary at a furniture factory, she left it as a director. Today, even in retirement, Maria Frantsevna continues to work as an economist for a large group of companies supplying industrial equipment to such giants as Belaruskali.
Another outstanding IAP graduate is Mikhail Boyarenko. He landed his position as class monitor at BNTU completely by chance, arriving late for the first assembly, but it was this experience managing a team that determined his future. Mikhail Danilovich dedicated over 40 years to education: he taught economics, served as a department head, and then as a college director.
"Our group had an incredible sense of teamwork—we always stood up for each other. We even had an unspoken agreement during exams: if someone was slacking and failed an answer, they were expected to do everything they could to smooth things over so the teacher would be in a good mood for those answering next. This responsibility for others proved very helpful in my career. I needed to guide people into life and develop them into true professionals. For example, I taught under the current Minister of Architecture and Construction of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Studnev. He was an excellent organizer and always kept the group on their toes. I'm proud of my students!" Mikhail Danilovich recalls with a smile.
Reflecting on what their studies at the Polytechnic University gave them, the graduates of the class of 1981 agree on one thing: the university gave them not only a solid theoretical foundation but also essential life skills.
"Communication skills and the ability to independently find information are the most important things. In our department, we weren't just given ready-made theory; we were taught how to learn! You leave the institute with one baggage, and life throws up new challenges. But when you know how to learn, you can master any field," emphasized Maria Kasper.
The graduates will spend a busy day today: looking at old photographs on a large screen and enjoying a heartfelt banquet in a quiet Moscow café, where they can chat to their hearts' content. Of course, the older generation couldn't leave without leaving a message for today's students:
"Study well, absorb knowledge—that's why you came here. But remember, student life is life! Don't get bogged down in studying alone." Go to concerts and theaters, travel (like we once did on two-week "star treks" with tents), make friends, gain experience. This is where those connections and friendships are made that will become your main support for the rest of your life.
Time changes positions, cities, and statuses, but it cannot change the most important thing – the connection with your alma mater. The next IAP alumni reunion will take place in five years, and there is no doubt: on the first Saturday in July, familiar voices will once again be heard outside the main building of BNTU, proving that true student friendships have no expiration date.
