Certificate awarding and appreciation of volunteer work following "Learn & Work: YSU EXPO–2025"

The meeting with the volunteers of "Learn & Work: YSU EXPO–2025" began with a welcoming address by YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, who highlighted the significant role of volunteers in the organizational efforts of the event. 

"Various events are regularly held at the university, and our students always participate in volunteer work with great enthusiasm. Particularly noteworthy is the involvement of students from YSU STEM High School in organizing university events, which is a source of double pride," the rector noted.

He further highlighted that volunteer participation has steadily improved year by year. This is evidenced not only by the dedicated response of YSU students during the difficult days of the 44-day war, when they united to help compatriots, but also by their active involvement in annual events such as "Learn & Work," YSU Alumni Forum, and the Science Festival. The rector emphasized that every contribution—whether through volunteering or participation in other initiatives—fosters personal growth and development. He stated that the university is more than just classrooms and lectures. Each of us is a kind of 'ambassador' capable of transforming our surroundings and shaping reality. 

Rector Hovhannisyan also noted that the representation and involvement of faculties in the now-traditional "Learn & Work" event has been steadily improving.

YSU Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan stressed the essential role of volunteering in shaping and reinforcing students’ academic, professional, personal, and humanitarian qualities.

"This is the third consecutive year that the "Learn & Work" event is being held. One of the most important positive trends is the growing sense of ownership among participants," the vice-rector said, adding that efforts are continuously made each year to reimagine and refresh the core concept of the event. 

Both YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan emphasized the students' readiness for teamwork and their consistent engagement in university initiatives. From this perspective, the range of opportunities offered to students is expanding year by year. There is ongoing improvement in student participation not only in domestic educational programs and international mobility initiatives, but also in cultural, volunteer, and extracurricular events.

During the meeting with volunteers and YSU staff members involved in organizing the event—including faculty representatives—participants discussed the challenges and obstacles encountered both during the preparatory phase and the event itself. In the course of a productive Q&A session, students shared their impressions, assessed the event's strengths and areas for improvement, and presented suggestions and recommendations to be implemented for future large-scale events of a similar nature.

Astghik Mnatsakanyan, the newly appointed Director of YSU Alumni and Career Center, underscored the importance of sustained student involvement in extracurricular activities and announced the creation of a Volunteer Bank. Through this initiative, students will have the opportunity to register and take part in long-term volunteering programs.

At the conclusion of the event, volunteers were awarded certificates as a token of appreciation and recognition of their service.