We will answer this question in the material dedicated to the holiday of all students!
Many have heard of Moscow State University. However, not everyone knows how long the talks about its creation had lasted and what the university and Lomonosov have in common. The establishment of the university in Moscow became possible thanks to the work of the outstanding scientist and encyclopaedist, the first Russian academician Mikhail Lomonosov (1711–1765). But first things first.
How did people get an education without universities? There were certain educational institutions in Russia. Back in 1724, a university and a gymnasium were established at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, founded by Peter the Great, to train scientific personnel in Russia. Those failed to cope with their task. Therefore, the academician repeatedly raised the issue of opening another university in Moscow, because he himself, at the age of 25, had gone to Germany to study at the University of Marburg, where he had spent five years and had seen how young scientists had been trained.
In 1754, Lomonosov managed to develop a university project. In order to spend less money from the government’s treasury, he proposed opening it in Moscow, not St. Petersburg, because it was easier for students from other cities to get there. Lomonosov's project was finalized by Ivan Shuvalov, a Russian statesman.
In the summer of the same year, the plan to establish the university was approved by the Senate. By decree of the Empress of Russia Elizabeth (Elizaveta Petrovna), the educational institution was given the building of the former Main Pharmacy near the Kuretnye (Voskresensky) Gate on the Red Square. On January 25, 1755, on St. Tatiana's Day according to the Orthodox calendar, the Empress Elizabeth signed a decree on the founding of Moscow University (now Lomonosov Moscow State University). The grand opening ceremony took place on the day of the anniversary of Elizabeth’s coronation on April 26 (May 7), 1755.
The decree by the Empress Elizabeth stated:
“Our desire and will is to produce the people’s well-being; but since every good comes from enlightened reason, and the evil is thus eradicated, then, consequently, there is a need to strive to increase all useful knowledge in the space of Our Empire by means of decent sciences.”
In accordance with Mikhail Lomonosov's plan, three faculties were formed at Moscow University: the faculties of Philosophy, Law, and Medicine. Professors lectured not only in the then generally accepted language of science (Latin), but also in Russian.
Moscow University stood out first and foremost for its democratic team of students and professors. Incidentally, this largely determined the widespread dissemination of advanced scientific and social ideas among students and teachers. People of all classes, with the exception of peasant serfs, could enter the university. The most capable students were sent to foreign universities to continue their studies, thereby strengthening ties with world scientists and their ideas.
And also, just imagine: students were obliged to wear green uniforms with a red collar, cuff and lining. They also wore personalized swords, which were presented to them at the ceremony of promoting them to students. In addition, for bad behaviour, students were put on bread and water, dressed in peasant clothes for three days, and deprived of their salary for a month.
But that's not all. In April 1756, a printing house and bookstore opened at the premises of Moscow University on Mokhovaya Street. A year after the establishment of the educational institution, the university library received its first readers. For over 100 years, it served as the only public library in Moscow!
Since that time, Tatyana's Day was celebrated brightly at Moscow University: a prayer service was held, after which a small feast was arranged. After the official ceremonial part, cheerful street festivities began. In the second half of the 19th century, Students' Day became celebrated at an even grander scale: from Moscow, the festive tradition took root first in St. Petersburg, and then in other university cities.
Thus, thanks to the influence of Mikhail Lomonosov, not only one of the recognizable universities of Russia appeared, but also a favourite holiday of all students! After all, on this day, every university in our country holds festive events with concerts and trivia.
And as always, South Ural State University cannot stay aside. This year, Tatyana's Day will be held in a completely new format. Our students will have the opportunity to participate in a unique ice show, find out what three cherished students' wishes will be granted by the SUSU Rector Alexander Wagner, enjoy delicious pies and just relax! Read all the details here.