Dear colleagues and friends!

A year ago, a significant date appeared in our calendar – Professor Day. The holiday was established in the Year of Science and Technology by order of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. And now, on the birthday of a great Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov – November 19 – we celebrate our professional day.

People who give lectures in university classrooms are not just pedagogues, they are teachers, curators, mentors, scientific supervisors, associate professors, and professors. Teaching, like doing science, is a life's work. Being a professor is prestigious and honourable. At all times, professors are the most intelligent, outstanding, and talented individuals. They have always been and will be the best examples for the younger generation, no matter what field of knowledge they belong to. They not only teach the future profession, but also awaken in students the desire for new things, help them develop their skills, find themselves. Professors as wise mentors inspire and help students show themselves.

Saratov University employs about 1,000 teaching staff members. They are all bright and talented, love their work and research they are conducting. The SSU professors have repeatedly received prestigious awards of various levels. 48 of them have the Honourary Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation title, 12 have been awarded the For Contribution to the Implementation of State Policy in Education medal, 5 have been awarded the Honoured Worker of Higher Education title, 11 are winners of the Height regional award, and 92 wear the SSU Professor badge. Many have been given other honourable titles and awards.

Today, on the eve of the Year of the Teacher and Mentor announced by the Russian President, this holiday is becoming even more important. The importance of the profession has been noted at the highest state level and will be honoured next year.

Dear colleagues, accept my sincere congratulations on our professional holiday! Our work requires from each of us not only intelligence and knowledge, but also mental strength, nobility, and endurance.

Let me thank you for your wisdom and professionalism and wish you good health, new achievements, purposeful, talented and grateful students! Happy holiday!

Rector of Saratov State University

Aleksei Chumachenko