Penza State University held a gala event to celebrate Higher Education Teachers' Day. The celebration took place on Wednesday, November 19. The festivities began with a performance by the student youth choir, which sang the Gaudeamus anthem.

Higher Education Teachers' Day has been officially celebrated since 2021. The holiday's date coincides with the birthday of the eminent scientist M.V. Lomonosov.

Faculty, staff, and students gathered in the cinema and concert hall of Building No. 5. Rector Aleksandr Guliakov addressed the audience with a welcoming speech. "This official holiday is a wonderful opportunity to congratulate, encourage, and thank each other. It gives us additional energy," the Rector noted.

Aleksandr Guliakov recalled PSU's significant achievements. "Over the years of its existence, the university has trained approximately 180,000 qualified specialists. Our teaching staff deserv credit for this," he emphasized. "We should be proud of our potential and our achievements. I am grateful today for the creativity displayed by each of you." Special congratulations were addressed to veteran teachers. "It was these people who created the foundation on which we, our contemporaries, stand today," Aleksandr Guliakov stressed.

During the event, Aleksandr Guliakov presented awards to university staff. These included certificates of honor and letters of appreciation from the Penza Region Ministry of Education, the Chairman of the Penza City Duma, and Penza State University.

Among the honored guests at the ceremony were representatives of the delegation from Gannan Normal University, who are on an official visit to PSU. PSU Rector conveyed a welcoming address to Chen Yiwang, GNU Rector, and expressed confidence that "the partnership between the universities will continue to gain momentum, opening up additional opportunities for students and faculty, and strengthening the friendly relations between our countries."

Gannan Normal University Vice-Rector Wang Zongde also spoke on stage. "In Russia, respect for teachers is a fundamental principle. Teachers pave the way for students in life," he emphasized.

"Penza State University carries out its lofty mission with dignity. For more than 80 years, your university has nurtured a long line of distinguished graduates," Wang Zongde praised the work of PSU. "PSU is one of the best universities in the field of international cooperation and always confirms the high quality of its education," the Vice-Rector added. The Chinese representative expressed the wish "that as many people as possible become followers of the international friendship between Russia and China and ambassadors of international dialogue."

A highlight of the ceremony was video congratulations from distinguished graduates addressed to their mentors. Furthermore, the gathering was treated to creative performances from the university's ensembles and graduates.