The oldest technical university in Russia celebrated its 249th graduation ceremony—just one year before its landmark anniversary. The graduates included bachelor’s, specialist, and master’s degree holders. Family members and professors gathered to congratulate the former students, now highly qualified engineers. As tradition dictates, the event began with the anthem of the Mining University.
This year, a total of 2,055 graduates completed their studies, with 198 earning diplomas with honors. Former mentors took to the stage of the university’s multifunctional complex to offer their congratulations. “Today, you take off the uniform of the Mining University—but it will remain with you, deep inside, forever,” one of the speakers noted. Now, each graduate embarks on their own path—whether it be work in industry, scientific research, or further academic pursuits.
This year marks the final graduation of master's students under the previous system, and next year will see the last class of bachelor’s degree graduates. Dmitry Petrakov, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs, reminded attendees that since 2023, the Mining University has transitioned to a new system of higher engineering education. Under this model, all students complete a two-year unified core curriculum—the foundation of higher engineering education—followed by an additional two to four years of specialized study, depending on their chosen field.
- We are restoring the foundations laid back in Soviet times. To be an engineer is to attain a level of qualification that ensures you are a highly valued specialist, - stated Dmitry Petrakov.
Special recognition was given to the top graduates of each faculty, who received a certificate of appreciation from the Rector and a gold emblem of the Mining University.
A total of 56 graduates received recommendations for admission to postgraduate studies, with the prospect of joining the ranks of the university’s faculty and research centers in the future. Among them was Elizaveta Serdyukova, who was named one of the top graduates of Saint Petersburg universities in 2025. She studied Land Management and Cadastre at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. From her first year, Elizaveta fully immersed herself in science, volunteer work, and student life. She led the student scientific association “Ecologist,” which gave her the opportunity to travel to many regions across Russia—from Makhachkala to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she enrolled in a master’s program. She admits it was a challenge, as the curriculum was entirely new to her.
- I have absolutely no regrets—it was the best decision of my life. I was warmly welcomed by the department. My academic advisor and I have a great working relationship, and he helped me advance further along my scientific path. As a result, a year later, I was offered a position at the university’s research center. There are so many student associations at the Mining University—they help you adapt and find what truly interests you. And there’s even the option to switch specializations if you realize you’ve chosen the wrong field, - says Elizaveta Serdyukova.
This year, she completed her master’s degree, but she has no intention of parting ways with her alma mater—PhD studies lie ahead.
Sergey Gladyshev, a graduate of the specialist program at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in the field “Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures, Underground Construction,” also plans to pursue postgraduate studies at his home department. He is equally drawn to both scientific research and teaching.
-Our professors built our academic program on a strong foundation of general construction disciplines, while also providing a solid range of specialized knowledge. As a result, we’ve become rare specialists capable of handling a wide variety of tasks. I want to thank the Mining University for helping me find my path in life and ultimately decide what I truly want to pursue, - says Sergey Gladyshev.
It is a long-standing tradition at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University not only to provide strong academic training but also to instill a spirit of civic engagement and broaden students’ horizons through extracurricular activities. Today, the university hosts 45 student associations, spanning scientific, athletic, creative, and social interests. The vast majority of students are involved in these communities.
- The best memory of my student life is inseparably linked to the WeWatt scientific group. It was there that I received the strongest push for my professional and academic growth. I found not just colleagues, but wonderful friends and an incredibly close-knit team. They became my support system and a true source of inspiration. Our collaboration didn’t end after graduation—it grew even stronger. We continue to take part in competitions, share ideas, and stay connected, - shares Sergey Solovyov, a graduate of the Faculty of Power Engineering with a bachelor's degree. He is now enrolling in a specialist program in Power Supply Engineering.
Entering adult life brings not only numerous career opportunities but also the onset of real competition. When hiring a young specialist, employers evaluate far more than just academic knowledge and diploma grades. Practical experience—which recent graduates often lack—is a significant advantage. The key strength of the university’s pilot project lies in its emphasis on enhanced practical training. The academic program is designed as a unified, integrated educational pathway, where theory is immediately reinforced through hands-on experience.
- The deepest theoretical knowledge, as important as it is, can’t fully replace real-world skills. Here, at the university’s facilities and those of its partners, I get to work with modern equipment, participate in real projects, and solve current engineering challenges under the guidance of experts. This kind of experience can’t be bought in a book or gained through online learning—it shapes a professional who is ready to face industry challenges from day one, - affirms Sergey Solovyov.
At the Mining University, great attention is paid to organizing both introductory and industrial internships for students. The range of host sites that welcome representatives of Russia’s oldest technical university is extensive. Future specialists gain hands-on experience at the country’s largest enterprises. The university also maintains a network of its own training sites—in the Novgorod Region, Crimea, and the Leningrad Region—including its largest educational and research field station, Sablino. There, conditions closely simulate real-life operations in the exploration, development, and production of hydrocarbons.
Internships are among the most cherished stages of study, young mining engineers readily admit.
- The most vivid memory I have from my time at the Mining University is the summer geodetic field practice in Kuzmolovo. There, we not only gained hands-on experience working with surveying equipment but also bonded as a group and formed a truly close-knit team,” recalls Valeria Dudareva, a graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. Valeria was also a member of the student council at Dormitory No. 1, where her role was to create an engaging and comfortable environment for non-resident students—who, incidentally, make up 80% of the university’s student population.
Valeria plans to continue her involvement with the unified student dormitory council and to begin participating in research activities within her department.
In conclusion, Marat Rudakov, Vice-Rector for Special Programs, addressed the audience with parting words:
- We have done our best to shape you into qualified specialists and professionals, to equip you with the skills of leaders and managers. And just as importantly, throughout your entire time with us, we have worked hard to instill the core values of our country—patriotism, and love for the Motherland—so that they stay with you for many, many years to come.
