October 14th, the University has celebrated its 75th anniversary by kickstarting a series of festive events and initiatives.

The University was receiving dozens of congratulations throughout the entire day. MGIMO was congratulated by President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko, Chairman of The State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergey Naryshkin, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Lots of congratulations came from abroad. MGIMO was congratulated by its graduates - the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev and the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, Chairperson of the OSCE Miroslav Laichak.

Early in the morning, a solemn mass was held in the Alexander Nevsky Church at MGIMO, during which the Orthodox community of the University could partake in the onset of the string of festive arrangements. Archbishop Thomas conveyed the congratulations by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to the audience.

On this same day, the University held a solemn ceremony of “the cancellation of postcards” of the "MGIMO 75" memorable series. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Head of the Federal Agency of Mass Communications Sergey Chebakov, General Director of JSC "Marka" Artyom Adibekov. A brass band of cadets of the Military University of Russia’s Ministry of Defence performed for the guests of the event. Rector Anatoly Torkunov officially launched the anniversary marathon by enunciating the congratulations by the President of Russia to the faculty, staff and students in attendance.

Starting October 14, several exhibitions have been rolled out on MGIMO premises and beyond. The historical exposition "MGIMO: from Lazarev Institute to the Present Day" is located in the atrium of the new building and on several floors of the Odintsovo campus. The atrium also housed an exhibition of publications authored by MGIMO professors that have come out during the course of the anniversary year, as well as ad a collection of memories by graduates from different years.

MGIMO students have also prepared their gift to the University-a series of video greetings "MGIMO happy anniversary" and an interactive “MGIMO Facts” quiz. Installed at the entrances into the University were traditional “on the wall newspapers”, abundant with colourful congratulations to students and professors. The quest "In the footsteps of MGIMO history" at the Odintsovo campus represented yet another of many student-led initiatives.

The second half of the day saw several generations veterans gather at the University. Rector Anatoly Torkunov warmly greeted them, thanking them for their invaluable contribution to the development of the University and wished them good health. The evening ended with a gala dinner.

MGIMO Studio theatre also prepared a gift for the 75th anniversary — the "White nights" performance based on the same title play by Fyodor Dostoevsky to have taken place in the conference hall.

Throughout the day, reports on the anniversary of MGIMO were broadcast on Federal channels, and news agencies published numerous interviews with Rector Anatoly Torkunov and renowned MGIMO alumni.

New theatrical performances and exhibitions are expected at MGIMO over the coming anniversary days, and a large — scale international conference-the Russian International Studies Association Convention will take place on October 21-22.