RUDN60

The first graduates

The first graduates

Alexey Venediktovich Maklashov — first graduate of UDN

In 1966 Alexei Venediktovich graduated with honors from the Faculty of Economics and Law of Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University, majoring in International Law. In 1975 he completed a postgraduate course at the Department of Civil and Labor Law of UDN. Talented and hardworking, he, along with his alma mater, went through various stages of its formation. Until recently, he was on the university staff. The biography of such a person is the best example of what kind of personnel RUDN is upbringing.

What was the university like for an enrollee of 1960, what made him return to the University after working in Cuba, what were his workdays like and what is his vision of the future of RUDN University – in an interview with one of the first UDN graduates, Alexei Maklashov.

RUDN University is like my first home in Moscow

Alexey Venediktovich Maklashov

of the first UDN graduates recalls his student years and his career within the walls of his alma mater

— Alexey Venediktovich, as it is often said, everything was different in the past. Was it much different in UDN back in the 1960s?

It’s true, the system was more rigid, but fair. We were becoming college students after completing a military service term, which was 3-4 years then, that is, we came to the university quite mature. We studied very hard because we had gone through a very tough school of life. Day and night we were preparing for classes, let alone public activities, also a heavy workload.

— What kind of activities did you take part in?

In July 1963, UDN joined Student Construction Brigades framework. I personally participated in them along with many of today's RUDN professors, for example, Tatiana Sergeevna Sorokina. We worked as volunteers back then, but the university administration provided three hot meals a day.

Student Brigades were gaining momentum, our teams worked in Kazakhstan, participated in the construction of the Baikal-Amur Railway. Sometimes the participants were paid a very good salary, like at state farms in Kazakhstan, so the students competed to become part of a construction team. The selection was overseen by our local Komsomol Committee who chose the best guys able to fulfill their duties conscientiously.

— How did you start your professional career after graduating from the University?

After graduation, I started my career working for the organization "Union of Soviet Societies for Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries". I was in charge of Latin America. Since I spoke Spanish, I soon was sent to Cuba, where I worked in the Office of the Economic Affairs Advisor with the USSR Embassy in Cuba

— Afterwards you went on to build a career within the walls of your alma mater. What was the reason for this?

For me, RUDN University was like my first home in Moscow. When I returned from Cuba, I entered a postgraduate program, and after defending my thesis I stayed on. Back then my position was called Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics for Work with Students.

— What problems did you oversee at the Faculty of Economics? What was your working day like?

These were both extra-curricular issues and questions concerning learning, providing consultations, as well as moral and psychological support.

Our rector annually allocates financial support from his fund for such students as orphans, physically challenged people, Chernobyl cleanup workers and their family members, etc.

— What is your idea of a role model student? What is he or she like?

First of all, he or she must study conscientiously, attend lectures and seminars, and never skip out on classes. Well, of course, it is only a plus if a student takes part in extracurricular activities.

— What makes you especially happy today?

Well, as a person who belongs with RUDN University, I am pleased to see that the university is growing, developing, getting awards and all. This is my main joy.

— What would you like to wish to RUDN students and graduates?

I would like to see them persistently mastering the knowledge given by RUDN professor. I wish they could never forget the university after their graduation and always attend its events. Next year we will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, so why not come and congratulate your alma mater? I have been at those celebrations more than once – on its 25th, 50th, and 55th anniversaries. And I am definitely planning to attend its 60th!