Today, September 1, on Knowledge Day, the Belarusian National Technical University hosted a series of significant events, one of which was the grand opening of Building 15. Following its renovation, the iconic building has become a modern educational complex for four BNTU faculties: the Faculty of Power Engineering, the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Civil Engineering, and the Faculty of Transport Communications.
Distinguished guests participated in the opening ceremony: Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Natalia Kochanova, Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus Andrei Ivanets, BNTU Rector Sergei Kharitonchik, and Dmitry Kotlobay, Director of the general contractor, Telecomsvyazstroy LLC. The joy of the celebration was also shared by department staff and over 350 university students. Natalia Kochanova addressed the gathering with a welcoming address:
"Dear faculty, students, and all those gathered here today in this beautiful building to begin the new academic year. Dear friends, I sincerely congratulate you on the beginning of the new academic year, on Knowledge Day, and, without a doubt, on this long-awaited event—the opening of BNTU Building 15."
It may be Building 15, but for many years, BNTU, our country's leading technical university, has been associated with this building. And many generations of graduates have emerged from here as highly qualified specialists. Education in our country has always been a priority for state social policy. New schools, preschools, and educational institutions are being built, existing ones are being reconstructed and modernized, programs and educational standards are being updated, and the state is investing all its resources in the development of our country's education system. And, of course, the opening of this building is further proof that our country is doing everything possible to prioritize education. Our head of state has repeatedly reiterated that we need smart, talented, and educated young people who will be the future of our country.
This is a five-year plan, as the President of our country said. This is a five-year plan for youth. This is your five-year plan, guys. You, having enrolled today, will graduate from this university, receive an excellent specialty, and will be implementing all the tasks facing the real sector of the economy today. Because you are technicians, those who study at a technical university. This is invaluable. Today, specialists from technical universities are in demand in the labor market, not only in our country. Studying at such universities is not easy, but interesting. New cities, new facilities are behind you. There is probably not a single city or region in our country where BNTU graduates haven't worked. And all these beautiful buildings that have been constructed are the work of graduates, including those of this magnificent educational institution. The Main Technical University rightfully holds a leading, flagship position in the training of engineering specialists. And in 2020, for the first time in sovereign and independent Belarus, the President of our country awarded this flagship course the Order of Labor Glory. This is due to the hard work of the people, the professors, and the educators who have worked and continue to work here, utilizing high technology, building on scientific research, the work, and, of course, the contribution of every specialist and graduate who has graduated from this university.
At the end of her speech, Natalya Kochanova presented Sergei Kharitonchik with a certificate for the expansion of the facilities and equipment of the renovated building.
Afterward, Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus Andrei Ivanets addressed the audience and noted the special significance of the event for the entire higher education system of the country:
"September 1 is always a special day. It is filled with positive emotions, joy, and the anticipation of something unknown. Today, of course, is a tremendous gift for the Belarusian National Technical University. To receive such a wonderful building, where students from four faculties will study and train engineers, who are truly so needed in our country today." I wish the faculty inexhaustible energy, creativity, and new scientific achievements. Believe in yourselves, be bold, and we will always be with you. Farewell!
As per tradition, during the grand opening, students of the Faculty of Power Engineering were presented with a symbolic key. It was presented by Dmitry Kotlobay, CEO of Telecomsvyazstroy LLC. This signified that the future of the construction industry was in good hands.
BNTU Rector Sergey Kharitonchik also congratulated the students and faculty on their return to their home, noting that the renovation work had been challenging, but the results had exceeded expectations:
"Congratulations on your holiday! You've come to your home, and you'll remember this home for the rest of your lives. The work was challenging. I'll even quote the lyrics from a song: 'We worked as hard as we could to bring this day closer.' Much has been accomplished, and it's thanks to the President of our country. The order wasn't just timely; it came at the right moment. Neither sooner nor later... I am very grateful to the leadership of our country. Natalya Ivanovna, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you, because you constantly monitored all the work, personally attending. And that's invaluable. Dear colleagues and students, thank you so much for helping to bring this building into shape. I wouldn't hesitate to say it's a palace. It's a temple of future architectural and construction thought. And this ship has set sail. Happiness and success to us all!"
Following the welcoming remarks, the distinguished guests cut the red ribbon and embarked on a tour of the renovated academic building. Sergey Kharitonchik presented the renovation project, displaying photographs of the building before and after renovation, along with diagrams of the modernized engineering systems.
The guests toured the spacious lecture halls equipped with multimedia systems, innovative laboratories with new equipment, and modern student study areas with comfortable furniture, computers, and other necessary resources for learning.
As part of this landmark event, Natalia Kochanova held an open dialogue with the students. While speaking with the students, Natalia Ivanovna praised the level of modernization of the classrooms and noted the initiative and talent of BNTU students, emphasizing their importance for the country's development.
During the meeting, Natalia Kochanova also answered all the students' questions regarding education, youth policy, and career prospects. For the students and staff present at the opening, the celebration seamlessly transitioned into everyday life: they were able to enter their new classrooms to begin classes in comfortable and modern conditions.
The opening of the renovated building clearly demonstrates that supporting education and creating a favorable environment for young people remains a priority. We hope that the new building will foster innovative projects and that the students' talents will continue to contribute to the prosperity of our country!
