April 29th, 2015, Mykolas Romeris University's (MRU) new Rector Assoc. Prof. Algirdas Monkevičius was inducted in a ceremony on campus.
Rector Assoc. Prof. Monkevičius thanked long-time Rector Alvydas Pumputis who built-up, expanded and created an international university that is now Lithuania's 2nd largest University.
Monkevičius said that MRU began its path "together with Lithuania's Independence" more than two decades ago. He said that MRU is a leader in the social sciences and has close partners not only in Asia, but also in Europe.
"Today our mission is clear - to continue the work that has begun," said Rector Assoc. Monkevičius.
MRU Senate Chairman Prof. Gintaras Aleknonis presided over the ceremony as students, professors, staff and dignitaries packed the auditorium, where the ceremony was held.
Lithuania's Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius extended greetings along with German Bundestag member and MRU Honorary Degree recepient Karl Lamers, Seimas Chairman Loreta Graužinienė.
Ambassadors from Georgia, Israel and Ukraine, attended along with an Embassy representative from Azerbaijan. Education and Science Minister Dainius Pavalkis congratulated the new Rector as did the Lithuanian University Rectors' Conference Head and VGTU Rector Prof. Alfonsas Daniūnas. Other dignitaries, Seimas parliament members, numerous professors, and academics also attended.
MRU Council Chairman Roma Žakaitienė delivered an address and congratulated the new Rector as did MRU Student Body President Justinas Motiejūnas.
Mykolas Romeris University is truly a remarkable University, German Bundestag member Lamers noted during his address adding that the outgoing Rector Prof. Pumputis had "shaped" the University into a unique institution of higher education.
Lamers, who spoke in English, also addressed and congratulated Rector Monkevičius in Lithuanian.
The German Bundestag member brought along a letter of congratulations for the new Rector from the Head of the University of Heidelberg and an invitation to visit.
The MRU String Quartet performed during the ceremony, which lasted about an hour.