The main events dedicated to the University Anniversary took place on 14-16 October. LEU artistic activity and science achievements were emphasized during the events, and the final evening was crowned by a magnificent ceremony in the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
On 14 October LEU opened an exhibition "Spaces of Virtues" ("Vertybių erdvės"), in the "2003" gallery by the prominent artists, lecturers of the department of Fine Arts of the Faculty of Education. Eight artists presented their works created during the last decade. Every author suggested their own ideas for the joint exhibition through selection of works that would correspond with the essential words related to the parallels of both the Anniversary and personal creation as well. Since 15 October a library of LEU Central Campus has opened a historical exhibition dedicated to the Anniversary "LEU history features from 1935 to 2015".
On the same day the University also organized a solemn opening ceremony of the Plaque Honoraring Doctors Honoris Causa board next to the Assembly Hall. Many members of University community as well as respectable Lithuanian and foreign guests attended the event. Before opening the board, the Rector Academician Algirdas Gaižutis stressed that important people for the University people are written in golden letters on the board and that they have to be appreciated. There are 14 scientists who gained the names of LEU Doctors Honoris Causa. However, there were also some empty boards left for the future outstanding scientists. The Minister of Education and Science Audronė Pitrėnienė said, "What I have accomplished is nurtured here, in this University." The boards of honorary doctors were opened in the presence of the attendees, whose names and surnames appeared to be on the boards. After the ceremony the attendees were invited to the international scientific conference "Towards Research Education ("Mokslu grįsto švietimo link"), organised by LEU.
At the conference, the participants shared their experience and talked about education policy, teachers' education, non-formal education and other education-related important issues. At the conference opening a Rector A. Gaižutis announced that this conference targets the education system based on research rather than personal experience. The Minister of Education and Science A. Pitrėnienė congratulated the University on the occasion and expressed her gratitude to LEU, for the years spent and the pedagogical wisdom gained. The Minister wished health, innovative ideas, to love and to be loved to the attendees.
On 15 October LEU guests had an opportunity to attend the exhibition dedicated to the 80th Anniversary "University artistic and scientific work (2011-2015)" ("Universiteto mokslo ir meno veikla (2011-2015"), where LEU science and art achievements were demonstrated.
On the same day at the LEU Campus II palace Lithuanian and Ukrainian History Club held a round table discussion "Lithuania and Ukraine: Security & Cooperation" ("Lietuva ir Ukraina: saugumas ir bendradarbiavimas"). The main announcement was made by the Commander of the Lithuania National Defence Volunteer Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Artūras Jasinskas. The discussion was moderated by A. Gaižutis. In the discussion participated guests from Lithuania and Ukraine.
In the evening of 16 October a large number of Lithuanian and foreign guests, members of the University community gathered to a solemn celebration of the 80th Anniversary that took place in the Palace of the Grand Dukes' of Lithuania. In his congratulations, Rector A. Gaižutis talked about the importance of the University to the history of Lithuania and education, emphasized its importance at present. "We are the main forge of teachers in Lithuania as well as the center of the science of education " – announced the rector and also suggested that the Anniversary's slogan could be "The absolute devotion to students, for the success of Lithuanian enlighteners" ("Visiškas atsidavimas studentams, būsimų Lietuvos švietėjų sėkmei").
During the event a greeting by the President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė was read. The President stated that since the establishment of University it has gained a mission of strategic importance not only to transfer knowledge of education, but also to inspire, lead, raise future creators, designers and defenders. The President also mentioned that during the eight decades of activity LEU had educated gifted and deeply reasoning personalities who created and shaped the Lithuanian education system. Dalia Grybauskaitė also emphasized that LEU has delegated its students the responsibility to create the future of the country – the young generation.
During the event three Doctors Honoris – Prof. Habil. Dr. Peteris Vanagas, a Rector of National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, Academician Prof. Habil. Dr. Viktor Andrushenko and a Rector Prof. Habil. Dr. Marek Bojarski from University of Wroclaw were awarded with University regalia Stockholm.
University's mecenates, JSC "Penki Kontinentai" and the National Olympic Committee of Lithuania were honoured for the financial support provided for the events and students' scholarships. Commemorative medals were awarded to the honored members of University community and LEU graduates – Olympic champions. LEU is proud of eleven Olympic champions.
Congratulations were also expressed by the Government officials, Rectors of the Lithuanian and foreign universities and other honoured guests. The performance by the LEU mixed choir "Ave vita", chamber ensemble "Credo" and soloist, Assoc. Prof. Dr. of the Department of Music Zita Grigienė (soprano) contributed to the general festive atmosphere of the Anniversary.
