On October 15, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the Commission of National Education, Minister Raminta Popovienė presented the Ministry’s Honorary Badges to individuals who have made significant contributions to education.
“Your many years of work, invaluable experience, and deep professional expertise are a reliable support for all of us as we search for solutions that influence the future of education and science, as well as Lithuania’s sports policy,” Minister Raminta Popovienė emphasized while congratulating the laureates.
Seventeen distinguished contributors to the education sector were honored with the Ministry’s Honorary Badge. Associate Professor Dr. Gintautas Bražiūnas, Emeritus Director of Vilniaus kolegija, received the award for his systematic contribution to shaping and implementing study policies and activities related to studies, as well as his significant role in the development of the modern Lithuanian college system, its quality, and its strengthening in international recognition.
Dr. Lina Girdauskienė, President of the Conference of Directors of Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions (LKDK) (Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija), congratulated Dr. Gintautas Bražiūnas on receiving this distinguished award and thanked him for his substantial contribution to the development of the Lithuanian college sector.
Recipients of the Ministry’s Honorary Badge include: Ričardas Ališauskas, Head of the Strategic Planning Division of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport; Dr. Rita Dukynaitė, Chief Adviser of the Strategic Planning Division; Dr. Daiva Garnienė, Director of Kaunas Maironis University Gymnasium; Dr. Sigita Girdzijauskienė, Head of the Child Pedagogical Psychological Assessment Methodology Group at the Lithuanian Centre for Inclusive Education; Erikas Griškevičius, Director of Kaunas International Gymnasium; Gražina Kaklauskienė, Deputy Director of the Education Exchanges Support Foundation; Aleksandra Luckevič, Expert Surdopedagogue at the Lithuanian Centre for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Valerijus Makūnas, Mayor of Kaunas District Municipality; Prof. Dr. Romualdas Malinauskas, Professor at the Lithuanian Sports University; Alvydas Puodžiukas, Head of the School Activities Division of the Ministry; Dr. Virginija Rupainienė, Director of Kaunas Panemunė Progymnasium; Prof. Dr. Liudmila Rupšienė, Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Klaipėda University and Vice-President of the Lithuanian Educational Research Association; Vidas Stankevičius, long-time sports specialist and coach; Rūta Vyšniūnienė, Expert Surdopedagogue at the Lithuanian Centre for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Dr. Albertas Žalys, Doctor of Science; and Prof. Habil. Dr. Vilma Žydžiūnaitė, Director of the Institute of Educational Research at Vytautas Magnus University.
The Honorary Badge is the Ministry’s highest award, granted for significant contributions to Lithuanian education, science, and sports. It was established in 2007. The badge is traditionally awarded on October 14, the day commemorating the establishment of the Commission of National Education of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The first recipient of the Ministry’s Honorary Badge was Dr. Meilė Lukšienė.
Photo by Robertas Riabovas.
Information by Vilnius College.