Today, STU students had the opportunity to communicate with the university's American friends—a team of architect specialists who have become true partners of the university. The esteemed guests from the USA are members of the jury for the international architectural competition for the restoration of the university's main building.
The foreign delegation included: Wendy Hillis — Campus Architect at the University of California, Berkeley, David Lenox — Chief Architect at Stanford University, Margie O’Driscoll — expert in public strategies and communications, and Ashley Ann—architect with international experience.
The American specialists arrived at STU for a press conference dedicated to announcing the results of the competition for the best design solution for the restoration of STU's central building, which was once the university's calling card and now requires reconstruction.
Back in 2023, during their first visit to STU, the foreign partners got acquainted with the university and were impressed by the damage. That's when the cooperation began, which continues to this day.
As part of the visit, the American delegation met with students in a sincere English-language dialogue format—and it became one of the most meaningful in recent times. Participants not only listened but also actively asked questions.
The topics were profound: architecture as a tool for recovery, innovative approaches to design, and the role of youth in Ukraine's post-war transformation.
«We communicate with the university team online every week and are always impressed by the dedication and clarity of vision demonstrated by your community», the American partners emphasized.
The students' questions were very frank, which gave depth to the conversation – the dialogue turned out to be sincere, open, and built on mutual respect.
Key thoughts during the meeting:
- Reconstruction is not just about walls. It is about people's stories;
- Campuses of the future must be flexible – evolving with the world;
- Graduates are not the university's past, but its constant strength;
- Think slowly – act quickly – a philosophy that can become the basis of Ukrainian reconstruction;
- Strength in community: volunteering, patronage, connection with the university – the basis of sustainable development.
«After every meeting with Ukrainian youth, we feel hope. Your generation doesn't just want change – it is ready to create these changes», the guests noted.
And added: architecture is just a tool. And the real driving force is people.
Very soon we will all find out the name of the winner of the architectural competition, and with that, take a historic step into the future.
Within the framework of the visit, the guests also attended the solemn award ceremony for the finalists and winners of the All-Ukrainian competition "Best Student Self-Government - Generation Alpha". This competition, initiated by law students of STU, has become a large-scale platform for supporting youth leadership in schools.
STU sincerely thanks its American partners for their support, trust, and willingness to walk this path together. Together, we are always stronger.
