On September 8, the Year Opening Ceremony 2025 took place at the AUK campus, marking the beginning of the new academic year.
AUK President Dan Rice welcomed the first-year students and current students, expressing gratitude to the university's team and faculty,
"Thanks to you and your tireless work, we continue to grow for the fourth consecutive year despite the challenges of wartime. We have opened the AUK Dnipro Campus and launched programs in Psychology and Digital Experience Design & AI. This is tremendous growth that couldn't have happened without the support of Arizona State University, the largest public institution in the United States. By leveraging educational technologies, curricula, and academic components, we plan to further expand educational opportunities for our students."
During the ceremony, students had the opportunity to hear inspiring speeches, including an address by Ambassador William Taylor, the first Honorary Doctor of AUK, a video address by Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, and a speech by Igor Tykhonov, the Chairman of the Management Board of CREDITWEST Bank (Ukraine).
The ceremony was also marked by a bright part where students welcomed the AUK Academic Procession, sang the AUK Alma Mater Song, and took the Oath of Honor.
Additionally, academic and presidential awards were presented for academic and leadership achievements among students and faculty during the event.
In opening the new academic year, Dan Rice emphasized the importance of upholding the university's values, "Remember your oath, to exemplify the values of honesty, integrity, freedom, and service. I proclaim this year to be opened!"
We invite you to watch the video from the Year Opening Ceremony 2025 and feel the beauty of American university traditions that AUK brings to Ukraine.