More than 300 congratulatory telegrams and letters have already been sent to Russia's first technical university.
The first to congratulate the Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University was Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of the holiday. He wished the faculty, staff, students, postgraduates and graduates of the institution of higher education success and all the best.
"Over the past years, the St. Petersburg Mining University has produced a brilliant cohort of renowned scientists, researchers and specialists who have made a huge contribution to the development of the mining and metallurgical, oil and gas, energy complexes and other strategic sectors of the national economy. I am convinced that thanks to the powerful scientific potential, modern educational technologies and methods, your university will continue to strengthen its advanced, flagship positions," said Vladimir Putin.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin remembered by name the most famous representatives of the Mining University, in particular, Vladimir Obruchev, Alexander Karpinsky, Ivan Gubkin.
"Today St. Petersburg Mining University is one of the main technological universities of the country, a recognised leader in many educational and scientific areas. A multi-stage training system is implemented here, modern laboratories and research centres have been opened. Students have an opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge in geology, mining, metallurgy and other industries, to do research," said Mikhail Mishustin.
He congratulated Rector Vladimir Litvinenko, all employees and students of the higher educational institution on the anniversary and wished them "new victories, discoveries and achievements".
Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko stressed that "the festive date is an opportunity to once again assess the path passed, to remember all those who dedicated their lives and talents to the first technical university of Russia, which from the very first days of its history proved itself not only an educational but also a scientific centre".
"The Mining University has the most powerful intellectual resource and infrastructure. Fundamental and applied research aimed at increasing the efficiency of the country's mineral resources and fuel and energy complexes is carried out in modern educational and scientific laboratories and centres with unique instrumentation," Valentina Matvienko stressed.
Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko drew attention to the fact that the scientists of the St. Petersburg university, working to increase the profitability of subsoil use and reduce the anthropogenic load on nature, "traditionally demonstrate a high level of competence."
"Today, this educational institution does not need to prove its professionalism and performance. Combining traditions, accumulated experience and innovations, the university continues to provide a sustainable trend of development not only for the Russian, but also for the Belarusian mining industry through the development and implementation of the most advanced technologies," Roman Golovchenko wrote in his congratulatory address. He also wished the staff of the Mining "professional improvement, achievement of high goals, progressive ideas, success in labour, well-being and longevity."
Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev called the graduates of the university "highly qualified personnel of the new generation". And its scientists - creators of innovations that "help make production processes qualitative, economical and environmentally friendly".
"The responsible approach of the university management to the selection and placement of personnel across the whole range of specialists allows not only to successfully solve complex problems, but also to look confidently into the future. I am convinced that the creative and creative staff of this institution of higher education will continue scientific and teaching work on the basis of the accumulated experience in the interests of national economic development, ensuring the strategic needs of the country in mineral resources and strengthening the sovereignty of the Russian Federation," said Nikolai Patrushev.
Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak noted that the St. Petersburg university has been training "the best engineering personnel of our country" for all 250 years of its history. The Deputy Prime Minister knows firsthand that this is indeed true. This year he once again personally awarded the winners of the contest "Youth Global Energy Forecast". For the third time in a row and for the sixth time in seven years, it was Gorny students who won it.
"Today the university has a fundamental educational and scientific base, brilliant teaching staff, carefully preserves age-old traditions and introduces advanced approaches into the educational process. I wish it further progressive development, new scientific discoveries, talented students. I wish the entire staff and students success, prosperity and good health," Alexander Novak addressed the representatives of Russia's first higher technical education institution.
Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov reminded that Russia is "on the way to building a new economy" and therefore needs qualified personnel and new technologies more than ever before.
"The university itself appeared a quarter of a millennium ago, thanks to the decision of Catherine the Great, precisely to start training its own engineers capable of improving the efficiency of subsoil use. For two and a half centuries, its professors, scientists, and graduates have helped ensure the success of our country. Russia owes geographical discoveries, hundreds of deposits, tens of thousands of enterprises to the miners from Vasilievsky Island," Denis Manturov emphasised.
In his congratulatory letter, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko also emphasised the role of the university in strengthening Russia's technological sovereignty.
"Amosov's first gold washing machines, Obukhov's cannons, Frese's cars, Slavyanov's arc welding have inscribed the names of your graduates in the history of the country in golden letters. These and thousands of other names serve as examples for today's young men and women", - Dmitry Chernyshenko addressed Rector Vladimir Litvinenko, and in his person - to all those who are related to St. Petersburg Mining University.
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov emphasised the importance of the creation of the International Centre of Competence in Mining Education on the basis of the St. Petersburg university under the auspices of UNESCO. After all, thanks to its activities, the Russian higher school is actively building up ties with partners from abroad, interacting both with educational institutions and research institutes, as well as with business structures.
"St. Petersburg Mining University has come a long way, forming its own unique traditions. Today, thanks to its experienced mentors and unique methods, it still enjoys well-deserved respect in the scientific community and is quoted by applicants. Its graduates - world-renowned scientists, public and political figures - have made and continue to make a significant contribution to the development of the domestic mining industry, strengthening the energy and economic potential of our homeland," said Sergey Lavrov.
Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education, on the anniversary day wished the institution of higher education "further growth of scientific and creative potential, great achievements, bold projects and new discoveries, and graduates - professional realisation and confidence in the future".
"Thanks to the high level of teaching and organisation of the educational process, introduction of new technologies, Gorny students receive high-quality modern knowledge. The oldest technical university in Russia makes a worthy contribution to the development of intellectual potential of our society, which is undoubtedly a reason for pride," Valery Falkov said in his congratulatory address.
Vladimir Bogdanov, General Director of Surgutneftegas, called the university "a forge of high-class personnel and a flagship of technical education in our country", as well as "an alma mater of outstanding scientists and inventors".
"The high level of training, close integration of science and practice, focus on solving urgent problems of the leading sectors of the economy serve as a strong support for graduates to build their personal professional trajectory and their further confident advancement in their careers. I am confident that Gorny will continue to provide backbone enterprises with valuable employees who are ready to work selflessly and fruitfully for the benefit of our country, to create its present and future," said Vladimir Bogdanov.
Sergey Kudryashov, General Director of Zarubezhneft, said that the university "can rightfully be proud of its rich history, remarkable traditions, many generations of teachers and mentors".
"These are true professionals of their work, who rightfully deserve the kindest and warmest words, sincere appreciation and respect for their hard work. Graduates of the university form the personnel basis of various branches of the economy and industry of Russia, making a significant contribution to the economic well-being of the country on a daily basis", - emphasised Sergey Kudryashov.
Many congratulatory letters to the Rector Vladimir Litvinenko and all the employees of the Mining University came from abroad. In particular, from the Chinese University of Mining Engineering and Technology (Beijing). Its President Shirong Ge assured his colleagues that he was well aware of the rich history of the St. Petersburg university, the achievements of its representatives and their significant contribution to the development of the Russian mining industry.
"As your partner, China University of Mining Engineering and Technology is interested in further developing academic ties with Russia's first technical institution of higher education. We have many common interests, but the initiative to establish the Russian-Chinese Mineral Resources University, the implementation of which will make a significant contribution to the development of higher technical education in both countries," Shirong Ge addressed Vladimir Litvinenko.
Gorny was also congratulated by its partners from Iran, including the Rector of Shiraz University Mohammad Moazeni. He wrote in his address that "the rich history, culture, discipline, science and technology of the St Petersburg university serve as symbols of the knowledge and power of the Russian Federation."
"We highly appreciate the fact that our partners from the Mining University are ready to transfer their invaluable knowledge and experience to the new generation of engineers and scientists of your country and the whole world. I hope that our co-operation, both at the level of higher schools and at the state level, will develop further. This is very important for the sustainable social and economic development of two great countries - Iran and Russia," Mohammad Moazeni said.
Despite the freezing of relations with the European academic community, letters and telegrams from various countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world include congratulations from EU partners. For example, from Professor Berndt Mayer of the Freiberg Mining Academy, its ex-rector, who, as is customary among German miners, greeted Vladimir Litvinenko with the traditional "Glück auf".
"I am convinced that times will change and we will once again be able to co-operate closely for the benefit of science and education and inaugurate the Lomonosov monument in Freiberg. This outstanding Russian scientist was the first builder of bridges between the Gothic cities of St. Petersburg and our city. I wish you further successful development in the next quarter of the millennium," Bernd Meyer wrote.