The beginning of the new academic year 2022/2023 at the University "St. Cyril and Methodius"-Skopje was celebrated tonight at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering with the first academic class, which, for the first time in two years, was held with physical presence.

- After a two-year break due to the COVID-pandemic, we physically gathered for a formal class for the new generation of UKIM. No digital tools and platforms, without which we could not function in the past period, can capture this wonderful and patiently awaited atmosphere in the virtual space, said UKIM rector, prof. Dr. Nikola Jankulovski.

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering received the freshmen of the 64th generation today. Graduates of undergraduate and postgraduate studies of this faculty from 2019, 2020 and 2021 attended the solemn first class.

The Rector welcomed the new students and wished the graduates a successful career.

- I wish you a warm welcome to the oldest, best and largest university in our country. From today, you solemnly belong to UKIM, and that is an honor, but also a great obligation, because knowledge, science, talent, creativity and quality are basic postulates in its work... I wish you throughout your studies that perseverance, knowledge and desire for your personal progress and development. Work hard, dedicate yourself to your studies, cooperate with your professors, cooperate with each other, dedicate yourself to your tomorrow, said Jankulovski.

Established in 1949 with three faculties, UKIM today, he said, is a community of 23 faculties, five scientific institutes and four public scientific institutions, as well as affiliated members.

Dean Darko Danev announced that 189 new students have been enrolled for the new academic year at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The first class, he said, is the first step to becoming engineers and that the faculty may become their first home.

- To finish college, to get a master's degree, to be able to fight in life with all problems and challenges, you need to have the two basic weapons that are characteristic of all engineers - logic and imagination, Danev pointed out.

In addition to welcoming freshmen, the faculty, he said, also sends those who graduated in the past three years "equipped with knowledge and abilities to conquer their space in the world of mechanical engineering". He wished them the realization of their dreams, and most of all, as he said, he wishes to enable conditions for them to stay in this country.

The new academic year 2022/2023 will begin on Monday, October 3, when the first academic classes will be organized at all faculties of the University of Skopje.