LIBERAL ARTS UNIVERSITY
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hroughout its short but exciting history, Vytautas Magnus University has been faithfully nurturing and continuing its distinguished traditions. What sets this university apart is its willingness to organize studies, scientific research and life of the community in a different way. Intellectuals from Lithuania and abroad have participated in the reestablishment of VMU and defined its goals, which are being pursued to this day. Here, utmost importance is given to aesthetics, honesty, tolerance, dialogue and the ability to think independently, while the forerunning principles are liberal and democratic. Creativity, progress and development of national culture are all brought into sharp focus.
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From the very first days of the university’s re-establishment in 1989, the experiences of Western universities have been an important influence. VMU was the first Lithuanian institution of higher education where Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral degree studies were offered. Modern conception of studies, based on the model of Harvard University, is implemented here. VMU differs from other Lithuanian universities in the freedom it gives the students to choose and design their study schedule. The VMU community – students, lecturers, graduates – is united by the idea of artes liberales, i.e. the classical university of liberal arts. Warm, honest interaction and liberal humanist spirit always follow and provide strength to the community. Classical liberal arts universities are the labs of modern life, educating bold young people who are not afraid to experiment and are on their way to becoming professional contributors to their own country’s future. A classical university is not governed by pragmatic matters. Formulas do not apply here. This is the space for young people to develop critical thinking
and become more open-minded. This is where the country’s future is built. Such is the Vytautas Magnus University of today. Vytautas Magnus University keeps in step with the ever-changing world: renews itself, adapts to the demands and generates new ideas. The university encourages discovering other cultures, religions, societies of the world and nurturing the public spirit. Special attention is paid to aspects more and more appreciated in the constantly changing planet – the maturation of ideas, expression of personality, communication, partnership. This allows VMU to remain an important and significant source of intellectual thought in Kaunas, Lithuania, Europe and the world.