Published on: 2026-04-29
Source: Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University of Peter the Great –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
At the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of the Saint Petersburg State Polytechnic University of Peter the Great, the ceremonial opening of the auditorium named after Professor Alexander Gradov (1926–2021), whose 100th birth anniversary is celebrated this year, took place.
The event was dedicated to the memory of an outstanding scientist whose scientific and pedagogical activities were connected with the Polytechnic for decades. His professional path was described in a welcoming speech by his student and successor of the scientific school, Elena Milskaya.
Since 1962, Alexander Gradov’s labor and scientific activities have been inextricably linked with the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute. He advanced from graduate student to professor, actively engaging in research in the field of mechanical engineering economics and the development of production systems. In 1984, the scientist defended his doctoral dissertation, and in 1986 he was awarded the title of professor.
In 1994, Aleksandr Gradov initiated the creation of the macroeconomics department, which was subsequently transformed into the “National Economy” department. It became the first of its kind in Saint Petersburg and one of the first in Russia. From 2001 to 2014, the professor was the scientific supervisor of the research school “Economic Strategy of the Firm,” which made a significant contribution to the development of economic science.
Elena Milskaya recalls: Alexander Pavlovich was a unique person, a teacher and a leader. At the Department of National Economics, which he created, there reigned an atmosphere of goodwill, mutual understanding, and support. The main task that Alexander Pavlovich set before us was to form in students an economic way of thinking that takes into account the national peculiarities of the economy. I am infinitely grateful to him as a person and leader for being in my life. He taught me a lot.
The scientist has published a series of fundamental educational manuals and scientific works dedicated to issues of national economy, strategic management, and competitive advantages. His scientific and pedagogical activities have been recognized with numerous awards, and in 2001 he was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Worker of Science of the Russian Federation.”
At the auditorium opening ceremony, the director of IPMEIT Vladimir Shchepinin spoke. He noted the importance of preserving the memory of great scientists who worked within the walls of the university.
The opening of the Alexander Pavlovich Gradov auditorium is an important event for our institute and the entire university. We honor the memory of an outstanding scientist, educator, and mentor whose ideas and scientific legacy continue to influence the development of economic education. Such initiatives help to form the continuity of generations and strengthen the academic traditions of the Polytechnic,” emphasized Vladimir Shchepinin.
The head of the rector’s administrative office, Vladimir Glukhov, talked about Alexander Gradov’s military past and shared memories of working with him.
The director of the Graduate School of Business Engineering, Igor Ilyin, noted the scale and systematic approach inherent in the scientific activity of his mentor.
At the ceremony, the grandson of the professor, a graduate of the ‘National Economy’ department, Nikolay Gradov, was present. He shared personal memories about his grandfather, who taught him to set goals and achieve them.
A particularly touching part of the event was the speech by graduates of the Department of National Economics from different years. They gratefully spoke about the professor’s influence on their professional and life paths. For many, he became a mentor who determined their fate.
Associate Professor of the Higher Engineering and Economic School Tatyana Bogdanova recalls: When the department was being established, Alexander Pavlovich was gathering staff from colleagues in the immediate surroundings and graduates. In 1994, after defending my diploma, I did not start looking for work and went to rest at a southern camp. At that time, there was no possibility for fast communication and, upon returning from the holiday, I found out that I was now a teacher of the new department at the Faculty of Economics and Management. Since then, for more than 30 years, I have been working at the Polytechnic.
The opening of the Alexander Gradov Auditorium became not only a tribute to the outstanding scientist, but also a symbol of the living continuity of generations, which has always been the foundation of the Polytechnic. Preserving and developing the best traditions of engineering and economic education, the university confidently looks to the future.
Please note; This information is unprocessed content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an exact report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.