Recently, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine supported the initiative to establish January 7 as Programmer’s Day. This date was chosen based on the results of public discussions as one that has an international basis and, most importantly, is devoid of any connection with the calendar of the aggressor country. The Department of Software, the Institute of Computer Science and Information Technologies, Lviv Polytechnic, supported these changes, reinstating the tradition of celebrating the professional holiday on a new, symbolically significant date.
At the initiative of Yevhenia Levus, guarantor of the bachelor’s educational program, and with the support of Dmytro Fedasiuk, the Head of the Department, those who contributed to the program development – faculty members, successful graduates, and the most active students – came together. In an open, shared discussion, they reflected on the origins of the program, the path the industry has already taken, and together explored the future prospects for programmers: new challenges, decisions, and responsibilities.
It all began at their Department. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, graduates shared their success stories, spoke about their professional journeys, and reflected on the challenges and decisions that shaped their development. For students, these conversations became a source of motivation and inspiration, while for faculty they served as the strongest affirmation that their efforts matter and continue through the successes of their graduates.
The solemn celebration of the professional day continued in the Assembly Hall of the main building of Lviv Polytechnic. The founder of the Department of Software Engineering, Professor Roman Bazylevych, addressed the audience with a welcome speech, sharing an important guideline: to look for an unsolved problem, to believe in one’s own strengths, and to look for solutions where others do not see them.
Nataliia Shakhovska, Rector of the University, Mykola Lohoida, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Development, and Oleh Matviikiv, Director of the Institute of Computer Science and Information Technologies, also joined the greetings.
A particularly moving moment was the honouring of graduates of the Department of Software who are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is thanks to their courage and dedication that we have the opportunity to study, work, and come together. We express our sincere gratitude and deepest respect to them.
Many graduates of the Department are also actively engaged in volunteer work. During the meeting, participants were encouraged not to remain on the sidelines but to join charitable and fundraising initiatives. Pavlo Siomko addressed the audience on behalf of the alumni volunteer community.
The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion «From a Software Engineering Student at Lviv Polytechnic to an IT Leader: What Artificial Intelligence Cannot Replace». The panel discussion brought together IT professionals from different generations and positions: Andrii Sambir (CEO of LinkUp, alumnus), Viktor Chekh (CEO of Sombra, alumnus), Taras Mukha (Department lecturer), Sviatoslav Likhtarchyk (recent graduate), and Andrii Potikha (third-year student).
The conversation was dynamic and engaging, focusing on the role of university education, the balance between technological advancement and human qualities, and the impact of artificial intelligence on education and business. All participants agreed on one key point: artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for solving complex problems, but it can never replace humanity, engineering judgment, or personal responsibility.
The celebration of Programmer’s Day at the Department of Software became not just an event, but a meeting place for experience, energy, and shared values. This is how lasting traditions are created!
