Rector Volli Kalm inaugurated

August 31st was the day of Inauguration Ceremony for UT Rector Volli Kalm. He is the 85th Rector of the University of Tartu.

Rector magnificus Volli Kalm said in his inauguration speech that the main goal for everyone in the university must be to rise above of personal interests and ambitions - only this way can university fulfill its duty to serve the society. "I do presume that also the state and the government will take the responsibility for Estonias national university. According to the state strategic plan education is the priority for Estonia, so let's solve the problems and assign the means for it. Only by focusing on equality there will be no highlights among the mediocrecity - and that goes for universities, professors and the students as well," he added.

Rector emeritus Alar Karis pointed in his speech that the Rector is a man who stands alone on the hilltop - he should see further than the rest of us. "He should posess the ability to listen, be felxible and he should be able to take a step back, if neccessary. I wish a broader view for the Rector and his team," ended Karis.

President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves stated that the national university as an institution playes the key role in Estonia's independence and the Rector therefore holds a large part of the keychain of Estonan national culture in his hands. University of Tartu is one of the pillars that support Estonian nation and country," said the President.

Greetings were presented by the Minister of Education, Jaak Aaviksoo; by Andres Keevallik, Rector of the Tallinn University of Technology and Representative of the Council of Rectors of Estonian Universities and by the Head of UT Student Body Council, Erik Raudsepp.

The inauguration ceremony was held as an open meeting of the Senat and the Council of the University of Tartu, led by the Chairman of the Council, Mrs Kersti Kaljulaid.

See the photo gallery of the ceremony HERE.

Additional information: Ivar-Igor Saarniit, UT Academic Secretary, phone +372 737 5605; Kady Sõstar, UT Specialist for Public Relations, phone +372 737 5685