Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University hosted one of the year's main events, the Governor's New Year's Student Ball, in its ceremonial White Hall.
This ball brought together the most talented, driven, and active students of St. Petersburg. For the 700 participants, the ball became a symbol of recognition of their achievements in studies, science, creativity, sports, and community service.
The university's ceremonial White Hall, as if created for such an atmospheric event, was filled with students in suits and evening gowns, demonstrating impeccable taste and social graces.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov greeted the students in a video message: St. Petersburg is a city of science, a city of knowledge, a city of students. Nearly half a million students study at our colleges and universities. Today, the White Hall of the Polytechnic University is home to the shining lights of St. Petersburg's student body. We are continuing a long-standing tradition—at the beginning of the 20th century, balls were held here for your peers. You are the future of St. Petersburg. You are united by talent, the ability to work hard, and the ability to achieve goals. You have demonstrated outstanding results in academics, creativity, sports, community service, and volunteerism. You study, research, and create projects that help St. Petersburg change and grow. You win Olympiads and competitions, receive grants and awards. All of this is the result of your hard work. Over three centuries, St. Petersburg has given Russia many great scientists, statesmen, artists, and industrialists. I am confident that you, the next generation of students, will contribute to the future glory of St. Petersburg.
"You are here today at one of the world's finest higher education institutions—Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, which hospitably opened its doors to us 10 years ago. Since that day, we have always held the Governor's Ball within these very walls. Therefore, allow me to congratulate you on the upcoming New Year and wish you happiness, love, and prosperity. I will truly be delighted if you meet here, and if this ball becomes a defining moment in your lives," said Andrei Maksimov, Chairman of the St. Petersburg Committee on Science and Higher Education.
As per tradition, SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy opened the ball and addressed the participants: "It is a great joy to see the young, beautiful faces who have gathered here in the White Hall for the tenth time and honored our university with their presence, spirit, thoughts, and hopes for the future. Now, each of you feels a sense of pride for the past year, and your souls are filled with hope for the best in the coming year, 2026."
After the opening of the ball, the participants performed a ceremonial processional dance—the polonaise—to welcome the honored guests. The program also included an introduction to the dances of 19th- and 20th-century St. Petersburg balls.
It's worth noting that the SPbPU Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity was responsible for organizing this large-scale celebration, commissioned by the St. Petersburg Committee for Science and Higher Education. Leading Polytechnic University performing groups provided support for the Governor's Ball: members of the "Glagol" theater, dressed in 19th-century costumes, greeted the participants, creating a refined and festive atmosphere; soloists from the "Polivoks" vocal studio and the "Ne spit!" project delighted guests with vibrant performances; and the SPbPU Ingenium Pop and Symphony Orchestra emphasized the event's status and significance.
"It's a great honor and a tremendous joy that the student orchestra has once again received this sign of high trust and recognition—to accompany the Governor's New Year's Ball. "We executed this important mission—to be the heart of the ball, creating a unique festive atmosphere—with flying colors," noted the conductor of the Ingenium pop and symphony orchestra, a graduate of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Pavel Zhukov.
Unique and memorable moments at the ball were also created by interactive entertainment: a video spinner—a spectacular video clip—and a light tunnel—a technological installation with the ball's logos and music.
In addition, a buffet and commemorative gifts from St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov were prepared for the ball's participants: a wireless charging station, a power bank, a cardholder, and a certificate to the Bukvoed bookstore.
Students shared their impressions of the Governor's Ball.
Roman and Nadezhda, Technical School of Power Engineering and Metalworking: We were thrilled to receive an invitation to the ball. It was a complete surprise. The ball felt fantastical and beautiful. The atmosphere was magnificent, as if we were attending a real old-fashioned ball.
Maxim Artemyev, second-year Master's student, Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications, SPbPU: This is my second time at this ball as a recipient of the Russian Presidential Scholarship. The atmosphere at our ball is wonderful. I've been to quite a few events at other universities recently, and nothing compares to the Polytechnic University's White Hall and the live music. The organization and decoration are top-notch.
Alina and Mikhail, Industrial Automation College: We were surprised when we were invited to the ball, but we were also proud, because being among the top students is a great honor. We are very good students and aim to graduate with honors. We are also active and volunteer. Alina is a correspondent for the city press center. We participate in all the events held at the college. This year, we took part in the "Big Change" competition and made it to the finals. Mikhail also competed in the "Professionals" championship and brought home first place for the city in internet marketing.
Anastasia Mikulenko, second-year master's student, Institute of Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, and Transport, SPbPU: Since my third year of undergraduate studies, I've been working at the Polytechnic University alongside my studies, in the Laboratory of Lightweight Materials and Structures. That's when my research career began. My work gave me the opportunity to attend scientific conferences and write important papers. Thanks to this, I've now achieved such success as a Presidential Scholarship. Besides studying and working at the Polytechnic University, I sang in the Polyhymnia choir, was on the cheerleading team, and was a member of the BEST student engineering society. This gave me the opportunity to develop and receive various scholarships.
The Governor's Ball is more than just a celebration; it's an important tradition that motivates students to further their development. It demonstrates that their hard work and talent are recognized, and that the city's future largely rests in the hands of educated, proactive, and ambitious young people.
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