Vice-Dean for General Affairs and Strategic Development at the Faculty of Medicine, Dr Aleksas Pikturna / VU Faculty of Medicine archive
As the Vilnius University Alumni Festival approaches, members of the VU community are sharing their memories of their university years, their favourite places at the University, and inviting everyone to return on 19 September to where it all began.
VU alumnus, Vice-Dean for General Affairs and Strategic Development at the Faculty of Medicine, Dr Aleksas Pikturna
– Which place at Vilnius University brings back the most memories for you, and why?
– Since I graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics at Vilnius University, it goes without saying that all my memories and feelings are connected to that place. At the time, it was the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics, whereas today it is the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. It was there that I matured, received my education, and where my career at the University began. Today, I have already spent 58 years at Vilnius University.
– If you had an hour to yourself at the University on 19 September, how would you spend it?
– I think I would first return to my home faculty. Perhaps I would spend an hour alone in the Great Lecture Hall of the Faculty of Mathematics – now the Zigmas Žemaitis Auditorium – and, in my mind, listen once again to a lecture by the wonderful Professor Jonas Kubilius, not only on probability and number theory, but also on the meaning of life and the wisdom that comes with it.
– Why do you think it is worth attending the VU Alumni Festival?
– Although we always tend to think things over before taking action, I believe there is no need to hesitate in this case. First of all, by attending such a wonderful celebration, you will not only meet acquaintances and people you have not seen for a long time, as well as familiar faces, but you will also see what the University is like today – especially if many years have passed since you graduated. You will see how the University has changed and how it continues to change. I believe there will also be plenty of information about what the University will be like in the future and how preparations are under way to celebrate the University's 450th anniversary.
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.