What will the university be like in 110 years? A quick interview with Valeria Demareva
This interview marks the coming 110th anniversary of Lobachevsky University.
A university is more than just an educational institution that passes on knowledge. Every day, new ideas emerge, discoveries are made, and unexpected solutions are found within its walls. Scientists, teachers, and staff work here, driven by deep commitment, a desire to advance science, and to nurture a new generation of researchers and professionals.
Ahead of Lobachevsky University's 110th anniversary, Valeria Demareva, Head of the Cyberpsychology Department at UNN's Faculty of Social Sciences, shared her vision of the university of the future, what keeps it alive today, and why it is important not to fear making mistakes within the walls of one’s alma mater.
What do you envision for the university in 110 years?
In 110 years, the university will not be just about buildings and walls. It will be about people who are united by a shared passion for knowledge. I believe it will remain a vibrant space for dialogue between science, technology, culture, and the individual. Regardless of the future forms of education, UNN will retain its essence: the ability to inspire, ask challenging questions, and help find one's own answers.
If you could leave a note for future UNN students of the next century, what would you say?
Remember: you are not studying for a diploma, but for yourself. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - at the university, this is not a weakness, but a path to discovery. Stay curious. And never lose respect for those around you - that's what makes you a truly educated person.
What do you see every day at UNN that never ceases to surprise you?
It is how new ideas emerge in the same lecture halls year after year. How students come with questions and leave with a thirst for research. How, amidst familiar walls, every September smells of a new beginning - and it's amazing!
When did you first realize, "I'm not just working here, I'm part of something bigger"?
When I first saw my students become colleagues. When I realized that I could do more than just impart knowledge, but I could also initiate processes - internal, personal, professional. It's a sense of being part of something living that continues even after your lecture.
Who is the "guardian of the university soul" for you?
For me, it is not just one person. It is everyone who doesn't lose sight of the meaning of their routine work: a teacher who is ready to discuss a project with a student after class; an employee who opens the door for you in a snowstorm; a librarian who remembers what everyone was looking for. The soul of the university lies in the people who make it more than just a workplace.
