Dear professors, colleagues, students and alumni of VolSU!

It is a great pleasure for me to congratulate you on the 40^th anniversary of Volgograd State University! In 1980, the first university of the Volgograd city opened its doors to 250 students. Now, when more than 10 thousand people are studying at VolSU, and the community of graduates is estimated at 50 thousand, this number seems completely unbelievable.

In just four decades, such a short time for the university, VolSU has turned into a center for technological, innovative and social development of the region as well as the unifying point for students not only from the Volgograd region or even from Russia, but also from 40 countries around the globe (Germany, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, China, etc).

In the 80s first faculty staff, students and employees of the Volgograd State University took part in its construction with the moto "A university can’t be built without enthusiasm". The tradition of co-development is still alive and thanks to the common work and aspiration of the entire university community, VolSU continues to grow. I would like to send all my gratitude to the researchers, professors, staff, students and alumni. Due to your talent and enthusiasm, the 40-year history of Volgograd State University is a history of achievements and fostering of leaders.

There is a catchphrase that now sounds like a motto: “VolSU gives the power to do everything!” (Russian: Всё умею, всё могу, потому что из ВолГУ!). It is no accident that it is passed from one alumni generation to another. That means it has an inner motivation force. Our students always strive for victories and write golden pages of their Alma mater history. We are proud of them as the success of students is always important for their teachers. The young generation is our main treasure. It is the future of the country as well as of VolSU. Another of our glorious traditions is continuity. Lots of our alumni dedicate their lives to the development of University and we appreciate the fact they realize themselves within it.

Today I want not only to look back to the whole truly amazing history of Volgograd State University, but think about what VolSU is going to be while meeting its next anniversary? Fortunately, it depends on us. The future of the university is in our hands and I wish us only success and prosperity! Happy Anniversary!