"The well-being of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan depends not only on their leaders but also on the professionalism of their teams," stated Ilya Wolfson, a deputy of the Russian State Duma, today at a ceremony honoring the inductees to the Republic of Tatarstan’s electronic "Roll of Honor" from the Volga Region University.

University Rector Rafis Burganov, together with Albert Salikhov, Head of the Administration of Kazan’s Vakhitovsky and Privolzhsky districts, presented faculty and staff members with certificates recognizing their inclusion in the electronic Roll of Honor. These awards acknowledge their high professional achievements, dedicated work, and personal contributions to the state and socio-economic development of the Republic of Tatarstan.

"It gives us great pleasure to see staff from the Volga Region University facilities and our faculty members on the electronic Wall of Honor—all those who, day in and day out, are shaping the workforce for our country and our republic!" said Rafis Burganov, expressing his gratitude to his colleagues as he opened the ceremony.

For his part, Albert Salikhov noted that the Volga Region University is one of the country's leading sports universities and a key center for training personnel for the sports and tourism sectors.

"We thank the entire university community—faculty, researchers, coaches, and students—for your efforts in nurturing champions, promoting grassroots sports, and improving the health of our residents. We work side by side, organizing joint events, and your students play an active role in the life of the city," he said, addressing the audience and outlining the results achieved and future development plans for Kazan.

Ilya Wolfson, a deputy of the Russian State Duma, also took part in the solemn ceremony.

"Although the Volga Region University is a young institution, it is already known nationwide; it has produced a multitude of talented graduates and champions, including Olympic medalists," he noted. "New sports facilities are opening annually in the Republic of Tatarstan where children train and coaches are needed. This is a field where artificial intelligence certainly cannot replace a qualified specialist."

The electronic "Roll of Honor" project for Tatarstan was launched in May at the behest of the Republic’s Rais (Head), Rustam Minnikhanov. This initiative holds particular significance during the republic's designated "Year of Military and Labor Valor," serving to honor the achievements of those who work diligently and honestly for the benefit of their home region. Through this platform, the residents of Tatarstan can express their respect and appreciation for their outstanding fellow citizens.

The project's official website currently lists over 15,000 professionals from more than 4,800 organizations across various sectors, including education, sports, and tourism. Among them are 14 representatives from the Volga Region University: institute directors Robert Bikmukhametov, Iskander Galeev, and Oleg Solomakhin; department heads Larisa Parfenova, Igor Konovalov, Yuri Boltikov, and Nail Fazleev; professors Firuza Zotova, Tatyana Tregubova, and Alexander Chernyaev; associate professors Leonid Lopatin and Ravil Kashapov; as well as senior lecturer Leonid Savosin and senior sports instructor Viktor Karymov.

Text: Adelina Khramova

Photo: Kira Grudina