Published on: 2026-07-03
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
It is currently graduation season. Today, one of the most solemn events took place at the Polytechnic University — the “golden” graduates received their well-deserved awards. The Golden Medal of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University was awarded to 25 of the best graduates of 2026, who completed their alma mater with straight A’s. The awarding of golden medals was resumed in 2003, reviving a historical tradition from the early 20th century. The medal is presented to the best university graduates who have shown significant achievements in studies, science, and social activities.
With a welcoming speech to the graduates, the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy addressed them: I always get nervous on this day because it is the quintessence of our work over the past years. It is the result of the entire university’s activities. First of all, I would like to thank your parents, relatives, and teachers, and thank you for listening to them and directing your talents in the right direction. This way, you have inscribed your names in golden letters in the history of the Polytechnic University. We ask you to continue your studies with us at the university as graduate students, and then grow as professionals — teachers and researchers. This will be the highest honor for us, and we will be proud of such a young addition. But even if you continue your path outside the walls of Polytech, the doors of your alma mater are always open for you. I want to wish you endurance, patience, and always be optimists, because an optimist is someone for whom every streak in life, whether black or white, is an ascent.
As tradition has it, the award ceremony for the gold medalists includes participation by one outstanding alumnus of the university from past years. This year, the send-off to the best of the best was given by Maxim Shubarev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Setl Group and a 1993 graduate of Polytech: The core of our company is made up of Polytech graduates. I communicate with students and professors from many Russian universities, and I want to say that the knowledge and level of teaching at Polytech are the best. And the kind of atmosphere present here cannot be found anywhere else. Dear friends, today you embark on your independent life path. On one hand, you enter a world that is absolutely intellectually equipped from the standpoint of artificial intelligence—a unique time. On the other hand, it is a difficult time. And now the further development of our society depends on you. Therefore, I wholeheartedly wish you good luck, health, lots of positive emotions in life, and perseverance. Then you will succeed!
Also, by the decision of the Academic Council of SPbPU, Maksim Shubarev was awarded the highest honor of the Polytechnic — the badge of distinction “For Merit” — for his significant personal contribution to the development of the university.
After the opening remarks, the awarding of the “golden” graduates began. Gold medals and gifts from the University Development Endowment Fund were presented by SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, honorary guest Maxim Shubarev, and the directors of the institutes. They awarded the best of the best — those who have consistently received excellent grades throughout their studies.
Several medalists shared how they enrolled in Polytech and achieved such high results.
Graduate of the Engineering and Construction Institute Maria Turskova: I wanted to enroll specifically in design. I considered several universities — St. Petersburg State University, the Stieglitz Academy, and the Polytechnic. I really liked the entrance exams and the approach to education here. It is not conservative: there are computers, graphics. I really liked that. How did I achieve success? Through creativity. There were many creative subjects. I drew well, participated in various competitions, and passed my exams with excellent grades. Thanks to the teachers for the opportunity to express myself.
Humanities Institute graduate Asiya Ikryam: I really wanted to study in Saint Petersburg, at the city’s top university. I decided to apply to the Polytechnic for “International Relations and Foreign Regional Studies.” I have never regretted it. Six years flew by unnoticed. It was very interesting and eventful thanks to a vibrant student life, scientific activities, and many events. Perhaps all this led to receiving the status of a “gold” graduate. That was not my goal. I studied for myself, to build my future career. Throughout my studies, I felt great support from the Humanities Institute and the Higher School of International Relations. I’m very glad to have been honored with such an award and grateful to the university for the opportunity not only to gain quality knowledge but also to meet very interesting people.
The only medalist of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering”, Olesya Shosheva: I enrolled in the Advanced Engineering School because the program is filled with applied knowledge that is directly needed for work. Also, of course, the opportunity to combine studies with work was an important factor. This is a very nice bonus. In fact, I am currently both working and studying at the Advanced Engineering School.
Graduate of the Institute of Energy Roman Garmashev: My choice was quite simple. I immediately knew that I wanted to study in Saint Petersburg, and when I looked at various universities, I settled on Polytech. I didn’t find anything better for myself. In school, I really loved physics and participated a lot in olympiads. I liked electricity problems the most. It so happened that I chose the Institute of Energy. I didn’t do anything special to achieve a gold medal. At first, I just enjoyed studying, learning something new, passing exams with excellent grades, and proving to myself that I can know all this, I can master everything. The bachelor’s degree flew by with all A’s unnoticed, but studying in the master’s program became noticeably harder. I had to combine it with practical training and work activities. There appeared additional motivation — this wonderful award. I really didn’t want to miss it by a few steps at the finish line.
Many of today’s graduates will continue their studies in graduate school and are already starting their careers at Polytech. Perhaps in the future, they themselves will stand on this stage and present awards to the best graduates.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.