Published on: 2026-04-21
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In the main hall of the Saint Petersburg State Architectural and Construction University, a historical-patriotic exhibition “Faces of Victory” was opened, dedicated to the anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The exposition combines archival photographs, biographies, and documentary materials about a student, a teacher, and an alumnus of the university whose fates were inextricably linked with the war.
University during the war years: mobilization, defense, feat
From the first days of the Great Patriotic War, our university joined the fight. Already in July 1941, enlistment for the people’s militia began here. More than 950 people — students, graduate students, teachers, and staff — were sent to the front, hospitals, and air defense units.
The educational process was interrupted: the institute team went to defensive works. Under the guidance of instructors, students erected fortifications, designed defensive structures, and participated in camouflaging architectural monuments of Leningrad. Thanks to these efforts, a significant portion of the city’s historical heritage was preserved.
During the years of the university evacuation, the educational process and scientific research continued in Barnaul and other cities. After returning to Leningrad in 1943–1944, the institute resumed full activities, and already in 1945 was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.
Faces of Victory: those who lived through the war
The exhibition gives a detailed account of the fate of people whose names have become part of the university’s history.
Igor Grigoryevich Klinov (1920–2013)
A LIS student joined the people’s militia in the first days of the war. He participated in the battle near Kingisepp and was severely wounded. After the war, he devoted himself to scientific work and commemorating the memory of students and teachers who died.
Viktor Alekseevich Afanasyev (1923–2002)
Military engineer, participated in the construction of airfields on the front, including for the legendary squadron “Normandie – Niemen.” After the war, worked at a university, headed a department.
Vladimir Fyodorovich Mironenko (1926–2020)
He began the war as a teenager in a partisan unit, then served in the Red Army. After the war, he continued scientific work, contributing to the development of engineering science.
Mikhail Mikhailovich Zherbin (1911–2004)
A specialist in the field of industrial construction, during the war years participated in the creation of strategically important facilities, including heavy aircraft bomb factories.
Nikolay Viktorovich Varlamov (1925–2023)
Volunteer who served in the war as a unit commander. After service, he became a professor and founder of the department of automated design systems.
Fyodor Borisovich Komal (1913–2005)
The political officer of the reconnaissance battalion, from the very first days of the war, participated in heavy battles and reached Berlin.
Fallen heroes: memory of those who did not return
A special place at the exhibition is occupied by the stories of students who died at the front.
Viktor Stanislavovich Kvyatkovsky (1919–1943)
A scout who completed the most difficult tasks behind enemy lines. He preferred death to captivity, blowing himself up with a grenade.
Boris Gubanov (1921–1942)
A student of the art school at the institute. Died in battle near Sinyavino.
Alexander Vasilievich Prygunov (1907–1943)
Hero of the Soviet Union. Commanded a sapper unit, distinguished himself during the crossing of the Dnieper.
Victory Architects: Restoration and Lighting of the City
Among the heroes of the exhibition are outstanding architects and engineers.
Nikolai Varfolomeevich Baranov (1909–1989)
Chief architect of Leningrad during the war years. He led the city’s camouflage, restoration of monuments, and the development of the general plan for post-war development.
Nikolai Fyodorovich Khomutetsky (1905–1973)
An architect and military translator, participated in combat operations and worked with captured documents.
Ivan Ivanovich Solomatin (1908–1989)
A sapper who participated in the “Iskra” operation to break the siege of Leningrad, awarded orders and medals.
Leonid Yulyevich Galperin (1907–1995)
One of the participants of the “Road of Life” on Ladoga ensured its uninterrupted operation in the most difficult conditions.
Engineers of the front and science
Nikolay Mikhailovich Nazaryin (1909–1993)
A military engineer engaged in the creation of defensive structures and reconnaissance of the enemy’s engineering systems.
Mikhail Isaakovich Klyot-Dashinsky (1923–2000)
An artilleryman who taught at a university after the war contributed to the development of engineering education.
Memory, preserved for future generations
The exhibition is not limited to texts and photographs. Each stand is equipped with QR codes leading to additional materials – archival documents, memories, and extended biographies. This makes the exposition interactive and allows for a deeper immersion into the fates of the heroes.
The organizers emphasize: the main goal of the project is to preserve historical memory and to show that Victory was shaped by the destinies of specific people — students, teachers, engineers.
“Faces of Victory” is not just a historical exposition, but an important educational and patriotic project. It reminds us of the value of Victory and the contribution of the scientific and student community to the common cause.
Today, on the main hall of SPbGASU, visitors can literally “meet” heroes of the past — people who studied and worked within the same walls, but at the decisive moment made a choice in favor of the Motherland.
The exhibition is open to everyone and will be helduntil May 15.
More about the hero connected to our university — in the project “Scientific Regiment”
Please note; This information is raw content directly obtained from the source of the information. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.