Mikhail Lomonosov and Moscow State University
Mikhail Lomonosov was one of the intellectual titans of XVIII century. His interests ranged from history, rhetoric, art and poetry A____. Alexander Pushkin described him as B____, whose lifelong passion was learning. Lomonosov's activity is a manifestation of the enormous potential of the Russian scientific community. Peter I reformed Russia, which allowed the country to reach the standard of C____ many spheres. Great importance was placed on education. St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, founded by Peter I, established a university and a grammar school to educate intellectuals and researchers the country needed; however, these educational establishments could not fulfill the task they took on. It was Michail Lomonosov D____ of establishing a university in Moscow. An influential courtier and the E____ Count Shuvalov supported Lomonosov's plans for a new university and presented them to the Empress. In 1755, on 25 January- St. Tatiana's Day according to the Russian Orthodox Church calendar — Elizaveta signed the decree that a university should be founded in Moscow. The opening ceremony took place on 26 April, when Elizaveta's coronation day was celebrated. Since 1755 25 January and 26 April are marked by special events and festivities at Moscow University; the annual conference where students present the results of their research work is traditionally held in April.