Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at the VU Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr Karolis Ažukaitis / VU Faculty of Medicine archive
As the VU Alumni Festival approaches on 19 September, members of the VU community are sharing their memories of their time at the University, their favourite places at VU, and inviting everyone to return to where it all began.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Karolis Ažukaitis, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at the VU Faculty of Medicine
– Which place at VU brings back the most memories for you, and why?
– Perhaps it is not particular places or buildings that bring back the most memories for me, but rather the people – friends, colleagues who are now part of my professional life, and lecturers I met at the University. They helped me overcome all kinds of challenges, develop and grow. I have remained very good friends with some of them to this day.
– If you had an hour all to yourself at the University on 19 September, how would you spend it?
– I would really love to have an hour all to myself at the University. And if I did, I would probably spend it in the White Hall of the Library of Vilnius University. I have had the opportunity to visit it many times, and every time I enter, its refinement and subtle elegance, imbued with an academic spirit, inspire me to reconnect with what one might call the true values of academia. So, I would definitely like to spend that hour there, alone with my thoughts.
– Why do you think it is worth coming to the VU Alumni Festival?
– It is worth it – absolutely. In life, it is worth doing anything that may lead to unexpected outcomes. Coming back to meet your colleagues, coursemates, groupmates, lecturers and friends, and perhaps discovering new ways of maintaining your connection with the University, is always worthwhile. That connection does not end with a diploma. I believe that the places that helped shape us will always remain in our hearts, and being open to new opportunities is, in my view, one of the most important things in life.
You can find the full VU Alumni Festival programme here. We invite you to register and receive the latest information about the activities and guided tours.