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The honoured guest of the ceremony was Dmitry Bulgakov, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation.

 He congratulated the military students, personnel and veterans on the 75th anniversary of the educational institution and noted the rich history of the HEI.

 “The academy that was established in the harsh military years followed the glorious path from the Highest Artillery Technical School to the branch of the Military Academy of Material and Technical Support,” the deputy minister emphasised. “The institute graduates heroically fought in the Great Patriotic War. Subsequently they performed their duty within various local conflicts, e.g. in Afghanistan, and numerous peacekeeping missions with honour and dignity”.

 Dmitry Bulgakov added that state awards have been bestowed to hundreds of alumni of Penza Artillery Engineering Institute. More than 50 former military students have risen to the rank of general.

 The deputy minister of defence expressed profound gratitude to the governor and the Government of the Penza region for attention and concern for young military men. He voiced hope that they will serve in the Armed Forces with dignity.

 “Treasure your epaulets and military reputation. Glory to Penza artillerymen! Glory to our great army!” he concluded.

 In his address, Ivan Belozertsev called this commencement special, as it coincided with the institute anniversary.

 “In the course of studying, you acquired necessary knowledge and skill to respond to the challenges of military service today,” he stressed.

 “I thank the leadership, faculty and veteran organisation for training decent officers and now warrant officers at all stages of institute development. Graduates of Penza Artillery Engineering Institute glorified Russia and their alma mater through their dedicated service,” the governor underlined.

 The head of the region thanked the Ministry of Defence in the person of Dmitry Bulgakov for allocating more than 200 million roubles last year for the improvement of the military institute.

 To sum up, Ivan Belozertsev wished alumni success in their further service.

 “Nowadays, the President of the Russian Federation poses the challenge of making a breakthrough in the Russian economy in the years ahead. At the same time, it is important to bolster national defence. Remember, defence power of our state depends on you,” he concluded.

 Dmitry Bulgakov presented the institute staff with state and ministerial awards.

 As a gift to the anniversary, the deputy minister gave a sample of small arms, namely a medium machine gun designed by Vasily Degtyarev.

 The governor decorated the institute staff for service excellence and long years of endeavour.
Dmitry Bulgakov, Ivan Belozertsev and veterans of the institute presented diplomas and lapel badges to graduates.

 After the official part of the event, the teaching and learning facilities of Penza Artillery Engineering Institute were examined. The honoured guests visited the educational buildings and talked with academic staff.