“Honoring a Hero: Memorial Scholarship Established for Ukrainian Catholic University Student Killed in Russia’s War” – Detroit Catholic

A tragedy has struck the community at Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) as they remember Daryna Bazylevych and her family, killed in a Russian missile attack on Lviv. In response, a scholarship fund has been set up in their honor, raising over $163,000 so far.

Daryna, affectionately known as Daria, was just 18 years old and studying culture at UCU when she lost her life on September 4, 2024. The strike also claimed the lives of her mother and two sisters, leaving her father, Yaroslav, as the sole survivor. The scholarship fund, which Yaroslav helped to create, aims to support students in the culture studies program that Daria loved.

The fund was announced just before what would have been Daria’s 19th birthday and has already funded one full scholarship and an additional half-year scholarship. Daria’s story resonates with many, especially as her classmates and teachers share memories of her vibrant spirit. Assistant professor Marta Kuziy described Daria as “a very shining, joyful girl.” Her friend, Erika Dzhymshyashvili, vividly recalls a trip to the Carpathian Mountains where Daria climbed tirelessly, pushing through any obstacle.

Before her passing, Daria expressed gratitude for the support she received, stating, “Many challenges lie before me, but I am ready for them.” Tragically, she is one of many students from UCU who have lost their lives since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a conflict that has drawn international condemnation and was recently labeled a genocide in reports by the New Lines Institute and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights.

This ongoing conflict has not only devastated families but also shaken communities. For instance, just on the day Daria died, another UCU student was mourned after being killed in combat against Russian forces. The war has left a lasting impact on students, like first-year student Iryna Myronenko, who, along with her daughter, was a victim of a separate missile strike in Kharkiv earlier this year.

As the university continues to honor lost lives, they also push forward, promoting resilience and hope through initiatives like the scholarship fund. The outpouring of support, with nearly $92,000 coming from within Ukraine and Europe, and significant contributions from the U.S. and Canada, reflects a global commitment to stand by Ukraine during these harrowing times.

For ongoing updates about the conflict and its impact on education in Ukraine, you can follow reliable sources such as OSV News or the reports from New Lines Institute.

Check out this related article: Celebrating Excellence: UH Faculty Shine in President’s Circle Awards Recognition