What connects the students of Kyiv in the 19th century and ancient ...

Mini-sculptures of the "Shukai!" project continue to appear in Kyiv, despite the war. Sonia and I can barely keep up with them!

Today's story is the 33rd piece of a large puzzle of the history of Kyiv. This is what is "Shukai!" project is about, you learn and have fun. 🙃

Shukai means search in Ukrainian. You search for the mini-sculpture, scan its QR code, and learn the story. Their small size makes this process even more exciting.

Saying the 33rd, I must admit that it is one of 5 miniature symbols of Kyiv that appeared on the facades of Kyiv's buildings in one day. The sponsors of the project could not choose one person. All 5 are dedicated to ... and here I come to the answer to "What connects the students of Kyiv in the 19th century and ancient Rome?"

Меcenat (Metsenat) is the Ukrainian word that means a rich patron of sciences and arts, a person who provides financial support and aid in the field of culture, education, and art. It origins from the name of Gaius Cilnius Maecenas an ancient Roman statesman and patron of the arts.

So what patron or mеcenat I have in mind? Economist scientist, financier, three-time rector of St. Volodymyr University in Kyiv, minister of finance and head of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian Empire, academician, and public figure.

Mykola Bunhe

Mykola Bunhe was born in Kyiv into a noble family in November 1823. His family moved to Kyiv from East Prussia in the middle of the 18th century and had a reputation as excellent apothecaries. However, the son chose his own path.

5 years after graduating from the Law Faculty of St. Volodymyr University (now Shevchenko University), Mykola Bunhe returned to his alma mater as a teacher. Here he defended his thesis, received the title of professor and became a dean.

Bunhe's lectures were very popular among the students, and his authority was so high that he was appointed chancellor of the university. After the end of the term, he was re-elected to this position twice more by the University Statute.

While working at the university, M. Bunhe drew attention to the difficult financial situation of Kyiv students. In 1972, he conducted a survey among students, for the first time in the Russian Empire. Look at the minisculpture. He is holding this questionnaire in his hand.👈

It turned out that students are in serious financial trouble. After that, the rector introduced scholarships, one-time awards, financing of trips abroad and support for orphans. He also brought progress to the educational process of the university.

M. Bunhe died in 1895 near St. Petersburg but was buried in Kyiv according to his last will. He also bequeathed a substantial sum of money to the university. The interest on this sum was so great that it was used to establish an annual prize for the best student work and two annual student financial aids.👨‍🎓

His descendants donated a part of the personal library of St. Volodymyr University. A catalog was compiled for the large book collection of M. Bunhe, which consisted of about 5,000 books in various languages. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was transferred to the fund of the National Library of Ukraine.

It's amazing how he continued to help the students and education in city even after his death.

After the patron's death, his former students jointly built the Kyiv City Primary School named after Bunhe. It was on its facade that a mini-sculpture was installed.💖 This is ... so sincere and so moving!