About 1000 people gathered at the Student Dedication Ceremony at Mystetskyi Arsenal (Kyiv, Ukraine) with a common big goal – for a better future. For themselves, for their children, for their friends, for Ukraine.

“KSE’s own building, bachelor’s programs, 500 new students per year, international diplomas and teachers (professors from European and American universities) — all this seemed like unattainable fantasies three years ago, and 7 years ago KSE was completely bankrupt,” recalls Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of KSE.  “Most people did not believe that it is possible to build a world-class university without resources, based on just an idea. I fired everyone who did not believe, and together we recruited talented dreamers. The impossible is possible if you have a vision and work like an Olympic athlete. Ukraine and the world need a top university in Kyiv, and we are building it. Join us.”

This year KSE welcomed 546 students, 341 for bachelor’s programs in economics, law, IT, psychology, and applied mathematics, and 205 for master’s programs in business economics, urban studies, public administration, memory studies, and social psychology.

Ihor Smelyansky, CEO of Ukrposhta, welcomed the students and shared with the community the key factor of change in one of the largest state-owned companies in Ukraine: “Ukrposhta used to be the fastest Ukrainian startup, we were the first to figure out how to transport parcels across the country, and now we are optimizing delivery across Europe. That’s why I know for sure that today’s Ukrainian boys and girls who live are free from the idea of “it’s impossible” and can find opportunities to fulfill their desires. Proof of this is that you are standing here right now. Learn, develop, and work for the best future for our country, because you are our future.”

The dedication was organized by active KSE students in cooperation with the KSE Foundation, and all first-year students and KSE alumni could join an interesting quest with tasks from our partners and student council. They searched for their classmates’ numbers, played chess, solved a puzzle, made new connections, and created new memories.

“KSE is about support. You are accepted for who you are and helped to realize even the strangest ideas. In such a powerful community, it is impossible to stand in one place; together you move forward towards your goals,” Sofia Galimulina, KSE student (Business Economics program).

“Ukraine is strong because of strong people who have the knowledge and skills to unite for a common goal. This is exactly what is taught at the best universities — here you will gain the knowledge and skills to solve complex problems together. We promise to help our students study, work, and realize their talents. Now you are part of a community. A community where people work hard for results, support each other and understand the importance of their actions. Welcome to KSE!”, – Tymofii Brik, the Rector of KSE.

“In everything we do, we need to rely on our strength. But here, at the Kyiv School of Economics, we feel the power of the community. Here, thanks to the donors of the KSE Foundation, we give the best education to the children of the military, IDPs, and war veterans, protect schoolchildren by building shelters, and help and support Ukrainians. Here, students raise $2 million for medical helicopters, organize a dedication, and work together for a common goal. I want you to remember that each of your crazy ideas will find a response within KSE and we will do everything to make it come true,” said Svitlana Denysenko, Director of the KSE Charitable Foundation.