RUDN60

The first graduates

The first graduates

Amelia Brito Rojas — graduate UDN 1965

In 1965, Amelia Brito Rojas graduated with honors from the Faculty of Engineering of Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University with a degree in Geological Survey. A brave person, truly passionate about her work, selflessly devoted to her calling – she willingly and cordially talks to people, returns smiles and recalls with great warmth her student years spent at Peoples’ Friendship University.

Leader in everything

Amelia Brito Rojas

graduate of UDN 1965

— Amelia, what does UDN mean to you?

I am very proud to be a graduate of the University of Peoples' Friendship of the first graduation of 1965, proud to be part of it. Wherever I am, I always proudly talk about my alma mater. UDN gave me not only the knowledge of geology, but also an understanding of what is friendship, joy and other sincere emotions inherent in man. I left its walls with a diploma in my hands, my husband who held me by the arm, and my son in the arms. This well reflects my respect, passion and desire to visit my alma mater once again.

— Each generation has their own role models, heroes and teachers. Who was your role model during your studies?

Our role models were our professors, associate professors and all the university employees – every person, from a canteen worker to the manager-in-chief of the hostel – instilled something good in us.

— And which of the teachers especially stands out in your memory?

Recalling all my teachers, I can’t say that I respected some of them more than the others, or less. Some I met in my early years at the university, others – towards the end.

I remember Natalia Ivanovna – she was a department head of the Preparatory Faculty. When she first met me in the corridor, she called me by name and helped me find the right classroom. How she came to know my name remains a mystery. I was very surprised as it was our very first encounter. Later we established a good relationship. I can’t say that it was friendly, but it was filled with respect and human warmth.

I only have sincerely good memories of my teachers. I can’t remember a single person in all my student years who would treat us unkindly and was not willing to help.

— Amelia, was it hard to study in a foreign country?

I had no C marks (three out of five), but I did get two Bs (four). I still remember the moment when I received my first B, having correctly answered all the nine questions, but the professor told me that this was not enough for an A. The second B was unexpected and very hurtful – the mark was lowered for the crease on the dress.

— What kind of career did you have after graduating from the University?

I have been a geologist and have worked all my life in this field – I was teaching Geology and doing research in Cuba along with my husband. It so happened that I was the first female geologist in Cuba and the first female Doctor of Geological Sciences. Before that there were several Doctors of Sciences, but all of them were men. This is very honorable and pleasant for me to be the first, and again I can only express my gratitude for all of this to the Peoples' Friendship University.

— Your husband Pablo Coutin also graduated from UDN, so, thanks to the university you also met your future husband, didn’t you?

Almost true, but we first met back home in Cuba. In 1960, there was no Soviet Embassy in Cuba, so we came to a special Department for Cultural Relations, where we first saw each other. Then we began to travel to that place together and entered the UDN Geological Faculty also together..