Which place at VU brings back the most memories of your student days, and why?

Perhaps the first one that I saw when I arrived at the University on 1 September 1990 – the Courtyard of the Faculty of History. It was there, under the linden tree, that most of my student life unfolded, and, as it turned out, I have not strayed too far from that place in more than 35 years.

If you had an hour all to yourself at the University on 19 September, how would you spend it?

To answer this question, I am trying to imagine myself not working here every day. 😊 In that case, I would visit the places that bring back the most vivid memories of my student years – the faculty, the library, and its central reading room (now Philology Reading Room). I would linger in the centre of the Great Courtyard and stop by the Observatory Courtyard. Naturally, it would be great to run into some old acquaintances along the way. The hour would pass quickly, and the memories would come flooding back.

What would you say to someone who is still wondering whether it is worth returning to VU for the Alumni Festival?

The Alumni Festival is an opportunity to meet your coursemates and remember your younger days at the University, to see and hear what life at today’s Alma Mater is like, and to simply feel part of a large and important community in the most beautiful setting in Vilnius.

Which place at VU brings back the most memories of your student days, and why?

Without a doubt, the place most familiar to me and the one that evokes the greatest nostalgia is the former Faculty of Natural Sciences on Čiurlionio Street. The natural sciences students’ dormitory was also nearby, so I spent most of my student years there. However, I will never forget my first visit to the University’s Central Campus – it seemed straight out of a fairy tale. This magical place exuded grandeur, tranquillity, and a true academic spirit.

If you had an hour all to yourself at the University on 19 September, how would you spend it?

I would go up to the Bell Tower of St Johns’ Church and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while taking in the view of the Vilnius University courtyards and the whole city.

What would you say to someone who is still wondering whether it is worth returning to VU for the Alumni Festival?

There is no need to think twice – you simply have to come! For many people, their student years are among the best years of their lives, when independence still goes wonderfully hand in hand with a carefree spirit. It is definitely worth recapturing that feeling and enjoying it again, even if only for a day.