Exhibition ‘Unissued Diplomas’ pays tribute to Ukrainian students who lost their lives due to the war

‘When your classroom turns into a battlefield, your major becomes bravery,’ reads the slogan of the new exhibition ‘Unissued Diplomas’ at the Cobbenhagen Building. The project commemorates 36 Ukrainian students who never received their diplomas because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Upon entering, the rows of cardboard diplomas immediately catch the eye. Each board features a photo, a brief biography, and details about how the students lost their lives.

For instance, Hlib Ivanov, a 21-year-old political science student who played the saxophone, was a big fan of FC Barcelona, and died during the battle of Bakhmut. Other stories tell of students who dreamed of starting their own business, securing a job in IT, or living in the United States.

University Engagement

The exhibition aims to remind people of the war and the price Ukrainians pay daily in their fight for freedom. According to project leader Academic Heritage Pieter Siebers, the exhibition aligns with the university’s involvement in the war. ‘The university has supported students and staff from Ukraine and contributed to various fundraising initiatives,’ Siebers said.

The Unissued Diplomas exhibition was initiated in 2023 by Ukrainian students who wanted to remind the world of the lasting impact of the war. Since then, the exhibition has visited more than 24 countries, including the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia.

The exhibition will be on display at Tilburg University until March 14.

_Advertentie.