On 20 May 2026, a meeting took place at Sumy National Agrarian University between students of the Faculty of Economics and Management and Vitalii ZAIARNY, a successful graduate of the university and now director of the Sumy branch of JSC ‘TASCOMBANK’.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an exclusive publication by the National Bank of Ukraine and ‘Ukrainian House’ — the art album ‘The Hryvnia: More Than Money’, which combines the history, art and cultural heritage of Ukrainian statehood.
What makes this publication unique is that it presents the Ukrainian currency not merely as a means of payment, but as an important symbol of national identity and independence. Its 600-plus pages contain archival materials and sketches of 20th-century Ukrainian banknotes, some of which were destroyed by the Soviet regime, as well as works by over 50 contemporary Ukrainian artists.
The story behind its creation lends the publication a special significance. Due to shelling of the printing works, the project was delayed, but in early 2026 the book was finally published in a limited collector’s edition.
During the event, students had the opportunity not only to familiarise themselves with this unique publication but also to take part in an interactive game entitled ‘What do you know about money?’, dedicated to financial literacy and the history of the Ukrainian currency. The participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge and interest in economic topics, and the winners received commemorative gifts — exclusive collector’s coins.
During the meeting, particular attention was paid to career opportunities for young people. Vitalii ZAIARNY introduced the students to the activities of the TAS Group and the specifics of working in the financial sector, and invited SNAU students to take up internships and pursue future employment.
Such meetings are an important component of practice-oriented education, as they allow students not only to gain theoretical knowledge but also to become directly acquainted with the real professional environment and the success stories of the university’s graduates.
Sumy National Agrarian University expresses its sincere gratitude to Vitalii ZAIARNY for his support of students, his dedication to his alma mater, and his contribution to the development of financial literacy and the professional growth of future specialists.
