July 10, 2014 was a momentous day for two thousand graduates of the ITMO University. According to tradition, graduation diplomas were awarded in the center of Saint Petersburg at the Big Concert Hall "Oktyabrskiy".

One of the highlights of the day was a symbolic shot of the signal guns of the fortress. The best graduates of the ITMO University, Konstantin Zimenko (Faculty of Computer Technology and Management) and Ekaterina Kalkina (the chairman of the student council, Faculty of optical information systems and technologies) gave artillery shot in honor of the graduation. This tradition began in 2010, since then all of the issued sleeve shells are stored in the Museum of the ITMO University.

Graduation ceremony was preceded by a favorite tradition of university graduates: in front of the main entrance to the Big Concert Hall "Oktyabrskiy" recent students and their parents staged an unusual flashmob. They have launched into the sky several thousand balloons as a symbol of the beginning of a new phase of life.

Opening ceremony was marked by an unexpected surprise: Vladimir Vasiliev, the rector of the ITMO University, played the piano the part of the final hymn of the University, and then addressed the graduates and guests festivities with a parting word. Also, honored guests of the ceremony Vasiliy Kichedzhi, the vice governor of Saint Petersburg, and Yury Gatchin, the member of the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg, have expressed their congratulations and wishes for the graduates. "I am confident that knowledge you accepted even in the context of globalization will allow you to be highly skilled professionals in demand in the labor market of Saint Petersburg. It is our desire, the desire of the government that you stay here. There are good jobs for you, " Vasiliy Kichedzhi said.

The organizers took care of the entertainment part of the evening: University students prepared a special program and presented concert performances accompanied by a symphony orchestra of the Capella "Taurida".

The main event of the day was the presentation of diplomas. Diplomas with honors were handed personally by Vladimir Vasiliev. Also at the ceremony a new university tradition has begun: the Alumnus statuettes, embodying a new generation of young professionals, were presented to the deans of the faculties and the directors of the institutes of the ITMO University.

In his congratulatory speech, Vladimir Vasiliev, the rector of the ITMO University, thanked the graduates for their work and expressed the hope that in the future they will become good people working for the good of the country: "On behalf of the University, the Academic council, all faculty members and myself, I want to congratulate you with the graduation, the one of the most important events in life. We have tried to convey to you the key knowledge and skills that will become the foundation for building your future and your career, family well-being and prosperity of Russia".

In 2014, the ITMO University has opened the way to the life for almost two thousand young professionals, many of whom plan to stay here as master's students and postgraduates. The festival events were attended by more than three and a half thousand people. The ceremony has lasted for over four hours and was the one of the biggest in the city.