Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
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On February 14, 2026, Nikolai Kosmachev celebrated 60 years of working at the State University of Management. He came to the university as a young man to study evening classes and obtain a higher education, and he remained here for many years. After graduating, he decided to work at his alma mater in the Physics Department as a training supervisor. A year later, he became acting head of the machine tool laboratory in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, and now works as a fourth-category lathe operator.
On February 24, 2026, in the Academic Council Hall, Nikolai Nikolaevich was ceremoniously presented with a letter of gratitude "for many years of conscientious work, the highest professional excellence, dedication, and the transfer of a wealth of experience to young specialists." The well-deserved award was presented to the specialist by Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management. He noted: "This is a special occasion, a wonderful example of selfless service to our common cause and dedication to the university."
On January 27, Nikolai Kosmachev turned 85. To mark these two important milestones, we decided to explore Nikolai Kosmachev's journey at the university and asked a few questions:
How did you come to this profession? Was it a conscious choice or a stroke of fate? I came here as a student, although I'd already worked at other factories for three years. There, I learned how to make various parts and acquired the skills to work quickly. After graduating, I decided to stay at the State University of Management because I knew everyone, lived nearby, and attended interesting and important courses as an auditor. Everything suited me: the faculty were wonderful, intelligent people, and I was already a trained specialist, a highly skilled turner.
"How has your workplace changed over 60 years?" "The only thing that changed was the machines; there were three of them, almost the same age as me. We changed because it was possible to buy a newer model: so if the previous machine was 70 years old, the new one is 52. The technology, operating principles, and everything else remained the same. This isn't a factory, so there's not much variety. Machines, tractors, couplings, bushings, nuts… Plumbers are constantly running around, and everyone comes here because they can get something done."
What was one of the most memorable events in your career? One day, Olimpiada Vasilyevna, the rector of the institute, lost the key to one of her seven home locks. She lost the key to a lock that had been installed privately and was told, "No one will ever open it. All the state-owned ones will break, but this one won't." The rector called her assistant, Tatyana, to my place; she picked me up in her car and took me to look at the lock. There, I discovered something interesting – its design was very intricate. The key is split in half, along its axis: you insert one half, the other falls, hits a gear, turns it, and opens the lock. All that's visible from the outside is just a hole; we had a similar one for a dovecote when we were kids. I found out the approximate size of the key, made three different versions, literally "at random," and opened the door with the first one. That's the story.
Looking back, what do you consider your greatest contribution to the university? If I'm going to brag, I'd say my hands are the only ones the entire university has. If anything happens, they come here right away, and I'm so glad I can help people; that's how we were raised. People come running to us and say, "The car's broken and needs to be ready in an hour," and it'll start working; I'll do whatever it takes. I work quickly, and everyone needs my work: the plumbing, the pool, the gym; I even fixed the safe when someone lost the keys.
Is there some aspect of university life that only you and your colleagues know, but that faculty and students don't? A lot has happened over the years. I knew university staff members few people have ever met. Among them were Olimpiada Kozlova, Anatoly Porshnev, and Alexey Lyalin—all of them former rectors. As a laboratory assistant, I even taught under Vladimir Godin, who later became acting rector of the State University of Management. Many future employees studied with me…
Congratulations to Nikolai Kosmachev on his anniversary!
Thank you for your many years of responsible and dedicated service to the State University of Management, for your example of sincere love for your profession, and for your gift of talent!
We wish you every day spent at the university filled with inspiration and pride in the work you've accomplished. This work is truly priceless, because you do it with great love and respect for others! We wish you good health, prosperity, and happiness!
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 25, 2026.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.