As the new academic year begins, Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaitė, Seimas Parliament Chairman Loreta Griaužinienė, Education and Science Minister Audronė Pitrėnienė, Vilnius Mayor Remigijus Šimašius and others have sent greetings to the academic community at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU).

"As September 1st approaches, the strongest yearning is for the joy of learning," President Grybauskaitė writes in her greeting.

"Along with a new stage in your life, you will find endless discoveries, unexpected answers to questions, confront confusing riddles, but this is the time for your personal development," says President Grybauskaitė. In addition, she told students to "be curious" and "responsible citizens of Lithuania" fostering and developing the future of Lithuania.

Vilnius mayor Remigijus Šimašius, an MRU graduate, greeted students, lecturers, professors who have gathered in Vilnius to learn, exchange ideas and to actively participate in creating now and for the future.

He wished that students would meet lecturers who would encourage critical thinking. The mayor encouraged students to live a life full of ideas and the courage to create, innovate and to actively participate in the life of the University and Vilnius.

It's great that Vilnius each year is becoming more open and interesting for students from abroad - even those from the furthest corners of the earth, Šimašius said in his greeting.

"Vilnius is open to new ideas and is an active, innovating city. That is why I invite all of you to share your experiences and to compare the experience of your country with that of Vilnius. Be bold and offer your ideas to the city, which can positively change the life of Vilnius residents," Mayor Šimašius wrote.