On February 19, 2026, ahead of Defender of the Fatherland Day, a solemn event was held at the premises of the Financial University’s educational building on Kibalchicha Street, 1, initiated by the Veterans Council. The event was attended by students of the Faculty of Economics and Business, as well as veterans of military service who are currently continuing their professional activities at the university and who had previously worked there.
In accordance with tradition, the celebration began with a rally at the monument to fallen soldiers and militia members. The rally was opened by Professor N.Z. Kunts, Chairman of the Veterans Council. Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs E.V. Markina addressed the attendees with welcoming words. Also speaking at the rally were A.G. Popov, coordinator of the Community of Relatives of Militia Members of the 13th People's Militia Division, a participant in the special military operation, recipient of military honors, and a student at the Institute of Open Education of Financial University; and I.R. Tsybula, an alumnus of the university. M.A. Lukashkov, honored economist of the Russian Federation and retired colonel, read a poem of his own composition dedicated to love for the Motherland.
Additionally, as part of the ceremonial event, a lecture was delivered by Professor, retired colonel N.Z. Kunts, head of the Veterans Council, to students of the Faculty of Economics and Business. The lecture was titled "Invincible and Legendary" and covered the history of the celebration’s origins, the transformation of its name over the course of a century, with special emphasis on the outstanding feats of our soldiers both in combat during the wars of the 20th century and in the course of the special military operation.
