As Ukraine prepares for another winter of war and uncertainty, there is a place in the country where hope and progress abound: in the heart of Lviv at Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). As the first Catholic university in the vast territory of the former Soviet Union, UCU has long stood for truth, dignity, compassion, and academic excellence. Since Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine, that mission has taken on a new urgency and a deeper calling.
A University Rooted in Faith and Service
UCU is open to students of all religious backgrounds, but its foundation is firmly rooted in Western and Catholic principles, ethical leadership, service to others, and the unwavering belief in the dignity of every human person. As one of Ukraine’s leading universities, UCU attracts the top academic students from across the country.
When the war began, UCU immediately responded, sheltering displaced families and orphans, distributing critical medical supplies, housing frontline medical workers, all while continuing to educate its students during blackouts and air raids.
Educating to Rebuild a Nation
As the war continued, UCU expanded its mission. Through its bold Strategy 2030, the university has created several programs that help heal the wounds of war and prepare its students for a new Ukraine.
- Launched Bachelor’s and Master’s programs to train psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists—addressing Ukraine’s urgent need for trauma-informed care.
- Opened the UCU Medical Clinic,offering family medicine, mental health services, and hands-on training for students in physical and occupational therapy.
- Створено Created the Office for Veterans and their Familiesto provide vital support and rehabilitation for those who have sacrificed the most in defense of Ukraine.
- Розширено Expanded the UCU Law School — now ranked #1 in Ukraine by Forbes Ukraine — into a full law faculty, preparing ethical leaders for a just society.
- Launched a Bachelor’s Program in Robotics,advancing engineering innovation in Ukraine and supporting prosthetic technology for those affected by war.
Ukraine must win the war, and it must win the future as well. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a visit to UCU, addressed this very issue as he spoke to students. “Education gives great opportunities, advantages, and agency in the world. This is a powerful defense, having which we can, in an appropriate way, react to challenges. Independent people form an independent country. And such people will grow in universities with a quality education, which gives an understanding of where you live, what you are working for, fighting for, and also, unfortunately, giving your life for.”
Stand With Ukraine. Stand With UCU.
UCU is committed to forming the next generation of ethical, visionary leaders who will shape a just and flourishing Ukraine. Ukrainian Catholic University Foundation, a 501(C)3) not-for-profit organization in the U.S., supports the mission and operations of Ukrainian Catholic University.
You can be part of this work.
You can learn more about UCU by visiting the UCU Foundationwebsite. You are invited to attend one of the Foundation’s upcoming banquets in New York, Chicago, or Naples, Florida. These annual events are a wonderful way to learn about UCU and meet and mingle with fellow Ukrainian supporters! They feature compelling speakers, delicious food, and auctions, all to be enjoyed as you support the talented youth who will be Ukraine’s future.