On July 1st, the Rector of UFU, Professor Larysa Didkovska, and Chancellor Dmytro Shevchenko had the distinct honor of attending an official reception at the invitation of the Consul General of the United States of America in Munich, Dr. James N. Miller, marking a monumental milestone – the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.
It was a great pleasure that the Consul General of Ukraine in Munich, Yurii Nykytiuk, along with his wife, also attended this solemn event, once again emphasizing the unity and strong diplomatic partnership between our nations.
This evening was not only a testament to our deep respect for the American values of freedom and democracy, but also a wonderful opportunity to recall a unique chapter in our shared history. The firm foundation of cooperation and mutual support between the United States and the Ukrainian Free University was laid during the challenging post-war years, immediately following the University’s relocation to Munich.
Turning the pages of our archival documents, we look back at the autumn of 1948 with immense pride and gratitude. It was during this time that the Office of Military Government for Bavaria played a crucial role in establishing UFU on German soil:
📜 In a letter dated October 25, 1948, University Specialist Roger M. Shaw expressed sincere appreciation to the then-Rector of UFU, Professor Ivan Mirchuk, for organizing international summer courses, emphasizing that without the generous contribution of time and energy from Ukrainian scholars, this success would not have been possible.
📜 Shortly after, on November 9, 1948, Charles D. Winning, Director of the Education and Cultural Relations Division, signed a historic document officially certifying UFU as a bona fide educational institution serving the educational needs of persons of Ukrainian descent in Munich and its environs. Furthermore, the U.S. military authorities granted the University priority assistance in transporting vital books from Berlin to Frankfurt for further shipment to Munich, effectively preserving Ukrainian academic heritage.
Time has passed and generations have changed, but the core values that unite us remain unwavering: the pursuit of liberty, the advancement of free science, and the defense of human dignity.
Today, in the 21st century, as Ukraine fights for its independence, America’s support is felt just as powerfully as it was in 1948. UFU continues to serve as a vital bridge between Ukrainian culture and the Western world, and we are deeply grateful to the U.S. Consulate General in Munich for continuing this noble tradition of friendship and recognition.
We extend our warmest congratulations to the American people on their Independence Day! Thank you for standing by us then, and for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us today!
✍️ Author of the post: Dr. Liliia Bondarenko
🗄️ UFU archival documents prepared by: Dr. Roman Tuetenko
