The real
value of a University is hard to overestimate. Its role in the social,
political, economical and other spheres of life is tremendous and undisputable.
Possibly, these kinds of thoughts forced the founders of Ohio University in
Athens to launch a school just a year after the new state was born. At least
everywhere in Athens, one can feel the atmosphere of thoughtful fostering of
knowledge. For me it started with the red brick blocks that cover local streets
and lanes.
I felt the
presence of deep historic roots in these two words under my feet – despite the
fact that for instance Ivan Franko National University of Lviv was founded in
1661. Some of the OU buildings remind me of fortresses.
Some are a
good illustration for Hollywood movies about student life in the campus with
all its brotherhoods.
But the
spirit of knowledge superiority is everywhere.
And that is
the main thing that unites us – despite the distance, cultural differences and
historic heritage. Ivan Franko National University of Lviv motto is “Patriae decori civibus educandis” or “Educated citizens – ornament of the Motherland.”
Possibly it means that the founders of our
nations and universities had the same vision on the foundations of the society
and the individual development.
Yuriy Zaliznyak
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