During an official ceremony on the evening of the 12th of December in the town of Urbino, Italy, the director of KTU Institute of Europe, one of the most experienced and influential European diplomats, Vygaudas Ušackas was awarded with the regalia of a special honorary degree.
The ambassador received one of the highest honorary degrees of the university – Sigillo d’Ateneo. At this special event Vygaudas Ušackas also took part in an interesting discussion about the foreign policies of the European Union.
For Exceptional Work and Represented Values
Upon the unanimous decision, the Senate of Carlo Bo University has decided to award Vygaudas Ušackas the second highest honorary degree of the University. Sigillo d’Ateneo is the official sign of recognition for the achievements in culture and civil society. The regalia was awarded by the Rector of the university Professor Vilberto Stocchi himself.
“It was a nice surprise. I feel honoured and thankful for the acknowledgment. I am glad that the work of representing the EU and its values is appreciated and is important for the academic institutions too”, says Vygaudas Ušackas.
Mr Ušackas admitted that he was especially glad to share his thoughts with the community during the very interesting and engaging discussion.
Respected for his Experience
Before inviting the former EU ambassador for the discussion, the Rector of Carlo Bo, Professor Stocchi gave a welcoming speech and stressed the importance of his experience to all the EU. Mr Ušackas’ achievements while working as a minister of Foreign Affairs for Lithuania, and representing EU in Russian Federation and Afghanistan is something he is appreciated and respected for.
“He is one of those rare figures whose opinions and interpretations on Foreign Policy in the new World Order is extremely valuable because they come from somebody who is a rare combination of a practical working experience at highest political levels together with a robust intellectual and academic preparation, which allows to properly frame and read developments that otherwise would be either obscure or reciprocally disconnected” said the Rector in his speech.
One of the Most Honourable Awards
The regalia awarded in the university of Urbino, Carlo Bo (founded in 1506), Sigillo d’Ateneo is a stamp made in 1588. It is one of the oldest and the most prestigious symbols for identification of the honorary degrees. Apart from Carlo Bo, a similar one is awarded only by the University of Siena.
The award was recently issued to the Nobel Prize Winner Tawakkul Karman, former president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, Nobel prize for Physics winner Carlo Rubbia, a writer Zagajewski, an artist Mario Logli and others.
