‘HSE Offers Solutions Aimed at the Future…’
On November 27, the HSE Academic Council held an awards ceremony dedicated to the university’s 25th anniversary. The meeting saw the participation of representatives of the Russian President, members of government, and members of the Russian Federal Assembly. Government awards recognizing tremendous accomplishments and outstanding service were given to a number of HSE employees, including IOE experts Isak Froumin and Igor Chirikov.
Russian Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko attended in order to relay the congratulatory remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In particular, the President said the following: ‘[HSE] has authority as a recognised centre for advanced thought and innovative approaches to problems in education and science.’ He also noted how important it was that the university ‘devotes serious attention to basic research, carries out expert and analytical work, including for governmental bodies, and strengthens international connections and exchange.’
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev congratulated the university as well. He noted that the years of HSE’s development were a time when Russia was in serious need of specialists able to carry out transformations, and over the last quarter of a century HSE has become a ‘recognised centre for science and innovation.’ Most importantly, HSE’s students ‘not obtain in-demand and prestigious professions, but they are also able to unlock potential, think outside the box, and generate interesting ideas.’
First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov represented the Russian government and underscored HSE’s importance as an expert analytical centre: ‘HSE’s specialists are always with us. We hold consultations when solving the most difficult and complex problems. Not only do we have a working rapport, but it’s a matter of trust as well. We have been close to one another for so many years that we are essentially one single team.’ He added that members of the government often consult with HSE Academic Supervisor Yevgeny Yasin, who for them is an expert ‘veteran in economics and applied research.’
Mr Shuvalov also noted that the university’s main asset was its graduates, who ‘can be found in top positions in business, science, and the government’ He reminded everyone that one example was Maxim Oreshkin, who is an HSE alumnus and Russia’s current Economic Development Minister.
‘Now, in your 25th year, you are scolded from time to time, but this means that you are a living, evolving organisation. It would be much more dangerous if you were only ever praised,’ Shuvalov added.
Russian Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko sent her congratulations through her deputy, Yevgeny Bushmin, who himself taught public finance at HSE for several years. In particular, Federation Council leadership noted that HSE attracts students from all over Russia and develops partnerships with regional universities. Additionally, HSE ‘helps governmental bodies of the federal subjects solve many complex problems.’
State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin emphasised that HSE ‘actively participates in the legislative process and in developing social and educational projects.’
First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov added that even though 25 years still makes for a young university, in that time HSE has become one of the most sought-after schools among applicants and one of the most innovative and unconventional. ‘It’s a university that is successful at carrying out serious academic work and applied research, as well as carrying out a number of requests and orders from the government. I can attest to that from my own experience in the government,’ he said. ‘The State Duma is constantly teaming up with HSE as well. It’s important that HSE offers not only balanced and well thought-out solutions, but also solutions that are both innovative and aimed at the future.’
In his congratulatory remarks, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin says, ‘it’s now impossible to imagine Moscow without HSE.’ Alumni of the university ‘successfully work in various fields of the city’s economy and clearly prove themselves in business and the city’s public administration system.’
Deputy Mayor and Member of the HSE Supervisory Board Leonid Pechatnikov drew attention to a joint project between HSE and the Moscow government – HSE Lyceum, which over a short period of time has become a leader in the capital’s school rankings.
At the Academic Council’s ceremony, a number of HSE staff members were given awards from the government.
The Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, Sergey Karaganov, received the Order of Friendship, while Alexei Rutkevich, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities was awarded the Order for Merit to the Fatherland (Order I Class). The Order for Merit to the Fatherland (Order II Class) went to HSE First Vice Rectors Leonid Gokhberg and Vadim Radaev, as well as to Tenured Professor Svetlana Avdasheva. HSE Vice Rector Alexey Novoseltsev and HSE St. Petersburg Director Sergey Kadochnikov were given the title Honoured Economist of the Russian Federation.
Russian Federation Presidential Certificates of Gratitude went to HSE Perm Director Galina Volodina, Vice Rector Andrey Zhulin, and Senior Director for Government Relations Valeria Kasamara. Russian Federation Governmental Certificates of Gratitude were awarded to tenured professors Fuad Aleskerov, Oleg Ananyin, Nikolai Berzon, Mikhail Blinkin, Isak Froumin, and Lev Lyubimov, and also to Academic Secretary Natalia Savelieva and Director for Occupational and Gifted Student Guidance Tamara Protasevich.
Russian Federation Presidential Certificates of Honour were given to Centre of Development Institute Director Natalia Akindinova and Tenured Professor Sergei Lando. Finally, Russian Federation Council Certificates of Honour went to Faculty of Economic Sciences Dean Oleg Zamulin and Vice Rector Igor Chirikov.