„We started just with a several dozen of students and here we are, having 11 000 of them today, together with 1 800 staff, and 75 000 graduates spread all over Europe and beyond. Today, after 60 years of excellence VGTU is positioning among top 4 percent of the best higher education institutions globally. I am confident that VGTU is making a strong contribution to the development of a modern, digital Lithuania. Today we are celebrating by building a bridge between different generations of the University: the past, the present and the future, a bridge between different scientific fields. I believe that by combining our research capacities in technological, physical, social sciences and humanities, we can create a bright future of our country. Let us not forget our motto – seek wisdom and be the first to see tomorrow!“, – said VGTU Rector Alfonsas Daniūnas during the VGTU’60 anniversary event.
His words were followed by one the most notable alumni – Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius: „I am proud to be part of VGTU community. I came here as alumni, rather than a Prime Minister. I am very grateful to my professors, who laid the foundation for my future. VGTU is an extraordinary university, embracing engineering and economic mindset, confidently moving with the times, solving the problems of global economy and setting a good example for other Lithuanian universities“
VGTU reaffirmed the name of a technical university once again and surprised the crowd by the latest technologies – unique performance of lasers, graphic compositions, 3D technology and light show. Over 150 artists, including VGTU art clubs (academic choir "Gabija”, folk dance ensemble “Vingis, VGTU orchestra) created an exclusive show on a huge stage connected by a symbolic bridge.
The whole university community was singing along to a hymn specially created for the anniversary by Stanislavas Stavickis-Stano. Finally, No Dj‘s and Poliarizuoti stiklai concert turned Siemens Arena into one huge dance floor in no time.
One of the highlights of the event was Alumni Congress. Everyone, starting with recent graduates to alumni reaching back to 40 years, from well-known social activists to business leaders and inventors, everyone was there to meet and greet their old friends and professors, share memories and experience.
„It’s a fantastic feeling to be part of this – look at how united we are! Today is a great opportunity to say thank you for my Alma Mater for that all of us are who we are today. On the other hand, the achievements of alumni supports the good reputation of our university, so let us be the best in our fields, and so will be our university. And it already is.”, – said Rimantas Busila, President of VGTU alumni club.
Almost 20 tonnes of construction were used to build the stage along with a 300 sq. meters screen, light effects were created by 340 spotlights and the most current sound system „L’acoustics K1/K2”.
