911±¬ÁÏÍø

Dear Community of 911±¬ÁÏÍø,

By covering the short but historic distance from our Parliament to the University, we have not only continued the tradition of greeting the city and each other, but have also had the opportunity to remember that we are beginning the 35th academic year in independent Lithuania at our University that has regained its freedom and autonomy. Much has changed during this time. We have learned lessons and gained experience; we now recognise opportunities and broaden our horizons. The University has grown quantitatively, with new programmes and faculties, students and staff, and qualitatively – confidently keeping pace with the best, forging global partnerships, and competing internationally. Yet, some fundamental things remain and even acquire new value and relevance.

In the face of the devaluation of critical thought and the erosion of decision-making, universities must, more than ever, remember and confirm in their daily activities that the fundamental principle of free thought and speech, emphasised in statutes and mission statements, is not empty rhetoric. It is both the right and duty of universities to combat the spread of false information and disinformation, to debunk fake news, combat falsehoods, and expose charlatans – doing so on the basis of expertise and through open debate. Universities are becoming outposts of democracy and assume responsibility for maintaining and nurturing it at a time when it comes under threat in various parts of the world, sometimes quite unexpectedly. Universities are capable of acting in a changing world, as they have done many times throughout history. Resilience and creativity – the defining keywords of university life today – are both our response and our guiding coordinates for action.

First and foremost, today we welcome more than four thousand first-year students who are beginning a new stage in their lives, studies, and exploration. We wish that you make the most of the best years of your lives, and we commit ourselves to being your supporters and guides along the way. We also welcome international students who have chosen our University to nurture and reveal their talents. During these years, you will not only meet and connect with peers who share your interests, but also acquire new knowledge and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Although at first glance, time at the University seems to be measured in the same way as at school, the hours tick by differently here. To paraphrase the American philosopher and psychologist John Dewey, university education is not preparation for life; it is life itself.

And be hungry, to quote Winston Churchill’s speech at the University of Bristol: ‘The most important thing about education is appetite’. It is important to use your time at the University not only to learn, but even more so to get into the habit of learning. To acquire an appetite for knowledge that will be maintained throughout your life. We do not need the extra ten points. Let’s always strive for ten extra pages, ten extra questions in a seminar, ten extra minutes for discussion.

The new 911±¬ÁÏÍø Strategic Plan for the next five years is currently being prepared. A university firmly established in the global field of research and studies, nationally unifying, and attractive to staff and students – this is the vision we want to achieve for the 450th anniversary of our University. I wish you all a smooth and inspiring start to the semester and a rich and fruitful academic year!