Modestas Juozapas Paulauskas (born March 19^th, 1945) – former famous basketball player, coach, sports organizer and educator.

Biography

One of the most famous Lithuanian basketball player, who in his entire career with “Žalgiris” Kaunas won 4 Lithuanian champion titles, two times USSR bronze medals. From 1962 to 1975 he represented Lithuanian national basketball team,played in 54 games and scored 736 points. In the period of 1989 – 1992 he was a coach of “Žalgiris” Kaunas club. Modestas Paulauskas together with legendary Lithuanian coach and former basketball player Angele Rupšiene in 2014 established basketball support and development fund.

For merits in sports he was awarded with the Badge of Honor of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee (1995) and the Olympic Star (2005), the 1st degree order of the Lithuanian Department of Physical Culture and Sports “For Merits to Lithuanian Sports” with a chain (2005) and the Sports Honorary Star of this department (2015). In the Athletes of the Year Awards, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Prize for Lithuanian Sports (2016).

He was awarded the 1st degree Santaka badge of honor of Kaunas City Municipality “For Merits to Kaunas City” (2015). In 2019 the Senate of the Lithuanian Sports University granted Paulauskas – his alumni, one of the most famous Lithuanian athletes, basketball Olympic, world and European champion, deserving master of sports, famous coach, physical culture and sports activist, Knight of the Commander’s Cross of the Order of the Grand Duke of Lithuania – Honorary Doctor of the University.

Algirdas Antanas Avižienis (born July 8^th, 1932) – engineer, habilitated doctor of computer science, professor, prominent public figure, foreign member of LMA.

Biography

One of the most famous informatics of the 20th century. The “self-correcting” computers created by the scientists of the NASA laboratory under his leadership caused a revolution in informatics and astronautics and inscribed the name of Professor Avižienis in gold letters in the history of computer science. 2012 the professor received one of the most prestigious awards in the world, often referred to as the Nobel Prize in Computer Architecture, the Eckerto-Mauchly Prize established by the Computer Hardware Association.

Šarūnas Jasikevičius (born March 5^th, 1976, Kaunas) – former Lithuanian basketball player, head coach of Kaunas “Žalgiris”. He is often named one of the best Lithuanian and European players of all time.

Biography

Šarūnas Jasikevičius moved to the United States at a young age, playing at a school in Pennsylvania, University of Maryland. Although he played successfully, he was not drafted in the NBA, so he returned to Lithuania.

With the Lithuanian national team in 2000 He won a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics.

From 2000 to 2003 he played for “Barcelona” and won the Euroleague in 2003. Also in 2003 with the Lithuanian national team won the European Championship and was recognized as the most valuable player of the championship.

In the 2004 Athens Olympics, he scored 28 points against the USA team, scoring 7 three-point shots out of 12 and snatched the victory with a score of 94-90.

He later moved to play for Tel Aviv’s Maccabi Club, with which in 2004 and 2005 he triumphed in the Euroleague. In 2005 he was elected to the top five Euroleague players.

2005 Š. Jasikevičius moved beyond the Atlantic, where he made his Indiana Pacers debut in the strongest basketball league in the world – the NBA.

In 2007 he joined “Panathinaikos” and in 2009 became a fourth time Euroleague champion.

On 2013 September 26 Šarūnas Jasikevičius signed a one-year contract with Kaunas “Žalgiris” and became Lithuanian champion.

On 2015 February 12 he was officially recognized as a Euroleague legend.

On 2016 January 9 he became the head of Kaunas “Žalgiris” coach. In 2017-2018 season he led “Žalgiris” to 3rd place in the Euroleague.

Liudas Mažylis (born May 19^th, 1954, Kaunas) – Lithuania’s scientist, professor at the Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University, political and public figure.

Biography

Graduated the fifth high school of Kaunas in 1972; Vilnius University in 1977. Doctor of the Chemistry Sciences; Habilitated doctor in the sphere of management and administration (2007), professor at the Vytautas Magnus University.

Hobbies – collector of the antique postcards, a fan of Kaunas basketball team “Žalgiris“.

Family

L. Mažylis was born in the famous pre-war Kaunas intellectuals’ family. Great–grandfather on mother’s side is Jonas Bliūdžius – book smuggler of Marijampolė region and public figure. His grandfather on father’s side – interwar Lithuania’s developer of the midwifery system Pranas Mažylis. Wife – Aldona, daughter – Liucija.

Scientific activity

1977 – 1990 while working in the Institute of Cardiology, had published 15 articles in the reviewed periodical scientific publications about the synthesis of indole-class heterocyclic compounds and research, carried out a research of new biologically active compounds of this class; co-author of 6 inventions. Theme of dissertation: Synthesis and Features of Indolin-2 and benzindolin-2 on 3-modified compounds (1985).

Since 1997 worked in Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Political Studies and Diplomacy. Internship in Cambridge University (2002). Associate professor (2000), habilitation (management and administration in 2007), professor (2008).

Published 20 articles in the reviewed periodical scientific publications on the themes of Europe Integration, Municipal Policy and Administration.

March 29^th 2017 found the original copy of the decision on the announcement of Lithuania’s Independency on February 16^th in the diplomatic archive of German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Political activity

1990-1995 deputy of Kaunas city council; 1990 – 1995 Chair of Mandates and Ethics Commission; 1990 – 1992 – member of Ecology Committee; 1992 – 1995 member of the Standing Committee on Municipal Affairs.

Member of the Christian Democrats fraction. Candidate to the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania in 1996 and in 2000; the member of Lithuanian Movement “Sąjūdis“ (1990-1992). Member of the Lithuanian Christian Democratic Party since 1995 (member of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats Party since 2008); member of the party’s managing board in 1998 – 1999 and 2005 – 2006.

Journalistic activities

Deputy of the chief editor in the daily newspaper Kauno Laikas in 1990-1993. Publications in Kauno aidas, Lietuvos aidas, Tevynės sargas, Apžvalga, Savivaldybių žinios, Veidas etc.

Awards

Lithuania’s Progress Award (2017)

Order of Merit for Lithuania Commander Cross (2017)

Stasys Lozoraitis Journalism Award (2017)

Kaunas City Honorary Citizen (2018)

(29/02/1896 – 30/04/1991) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

He was born in Seteiniai, Kėdainiai district and graduated from Ciugejevas (Kharkov district) military school in 1917. His diplomatic career started in 1922, and included spells as a Departmental Director and Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also spent time as the Government Minister of foreign affairs. He translated a lot of the works of French writers. Honorary citizen was granted on February 28 1991

(27/01/1901 – 01/04/1992) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

He was born in Tioply Stane in Kuibysevas district and spent his early years as a student at Kaunas Music school and working in Kaunas museums. During 1943 to 1951, he was appointed concertmaster of the young audience theatre of Kaunas and from 1952 to 1957 he was a teacher at Kaunas J. Jablonskis secondary school. His musical compositions include the cantata “Tarybų Lietuva” (“Soviet Lithuania”), the opera “?iogas ir skruzdės” (“Grasshopper and ant”), the radio operetta “Paukščių koncertas” (“Concert of birds”), .the ballet “Piemenaitė ir kaminkrėtys” (“Shepherdness and chimney – sweep”), among over three hundred other pieces created for carillon, for drama plays and films. In 1956 he restored the tower (carillon) of the Military museum and since 1957, he and his son made performances of the carillon in Kaunas as well as in Magdeburg (Germany). Honorary citizen was granted on September 26 1991

(10/03/1893 – 21/05/1993) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

Born in Linkaičiai, in Panevėžys region and later a graduate from the Riga Polytechnic Institute and Roma University, he also served as a volunteer in the army of Lithuanian during WW1 and was awarded the Cross of Vytis for bravery. In 1941, he was the Minister of municipal economy in the Lithuanian provisional government and during 1944 to1945 he was an underground fighter against the occupying German forces. After the war he once again took up teaching before his emigration to Australia in 1949 where he spent almost ten years as an architect in Melbourne. He returned to Kaunas in 1959 as Chief architect of the Urban and Rural Building Design Institute. His most important and impressive buildings include the following (in Kaunas unless otherwise stated):
Chamber of Commerce / The Central Building of the Physical Training Institute / Central Building of the Dairy centre / Central Building of the research laboratories / Church of Kybartai, Mažeikiai, Šakiai / Priest seminary of Vilkaviškis / Kaunas City Municipality / Surgery section of military hospital consisting of 700 places in Kaunas / Central dairy of Kaunas. Honorary citizen was granted on September 26, 1991.

(1904 09 29-1992 02 09) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

He was born in in Smalininkai village in Marijampolė region. A graduate of History from the Faculty of Humanities, as well as the Faculty of Law, he was also the Head of the Press Department of the Ministry of Interior and the editor of “Kriminalistikos žinynas” (“Criminal reference”). In 1940, he immigrated to Germany, and in Berlin University continued his studies of law. Between 1940 and 1949, he studied and lived in Denmark and Paris (at he Sorbonne University Faculty of law). In 1950, he returned to Berlin and participated in the activity of the unions for the liberation of Siauliai and Vilnius. He contributed to “Trimitas”, “Ūkininkas patarėjas”, “Lietuvos aidas”, “Amerika.” He also established, through his support and bequeathed art collection, the Mykolas Zilinskas Art Gallery – which opened in Kaunas in 1989. Honorary citizen was granted on September 26, 1991.

(20/08/1920 – 28/05/2000) Buried in the Crypt of the St. Sacrament in Kaunas cathedral

Born in in Guronys village, Kaišiadorys, district he entered Kaunas seminary in 1939 and graduated from the Theology faculty here before then obtaining the licentiate degree in 1944. He was ordained in March 1944 and appointed to Kietaviškes. Two months later he was appointed the chaplain of vicars and students in Merkine. He worked as a vicar and parson in Aukštadvaris, Kaišiadorys, Stakliškes, Šešuoliai. Since 1952, he was the Seminary Lecturer in Kaunas, a prefect, and spiritual farther. In 1957, he was appointed the assistant to the bishop. Honorary citizen was granted on December 23, 1993

A signatory of the Act of the Restoration of the Independent Statehood of Lithuania, and formerly Chairman of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, and political leader of the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Conservative / Tėvynės Sąjunga). He is also a member of the Lithuanian Composers Union, the chairperson of M.K. Čiurlionis association and he honorary president of the Lithuanian Chess Federation and was Professor of the Lithuanian National conservatory for the years 1978 to 1990. His political career took off when he was the leader of the Lithuanian delegation for negotiations with the Soviet Union and then chairman of Restoration parliament of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania (1990 – 1992) during which time he was also the head of the Commission for preparing the drafts of the Lithuanian constitution. His political activities continued as a Member of Parliament until 1996. A prolific writer and academic, he has had numerous books published on music, culture, history, politics, poetry, and a biography (in both Lithuanian and German languages). He is the honorary associate professor of Loyolod University (Chicago), Weber University (Odgen USA), Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University and Kaunas University of Technology. Honorary citizen was granted on January 27 1994.

(2/08/1924 – 13/06/1994) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

Born in Berlin, he graduated from the German high school in Rome before going on to study Law at Rome University as well as actively participating and promoting Italian-Lithuanian relations. Whilst in Italy he held several positions including member of the Union of the International Expatriates Clerisy Board, contributor to the publication „Santarve”, and editors assistant on the “The voice of Lithuania”. His diplomatic career started as part of the Lithuanian delegation in Washington in 1968. On October 2, 1991 he was assigned as Lithuanian Ambassador to the USA. In 1992, he returned to Lithuania and in February of 1993, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the Lithuanian Presidency. In December 1993, he was appointed as the Lithuanian Ambassador to Italy. Lozoraitis was buried in Putnam cemetery Connecticut State, USA but his body resumed and reburied here in Kaunas in 1999. Honorary citizen was granted posthumously on September 22, 1994.

(07/11/1938 – )

He was born in the village Gudoniai, in Alytus. In 1955 entered the Seminary in Kaunas but did not graduate and become a priest until 1962 having had to fulfil his Soviet army military service in between. However, the Soviet government disliked his principled and zealous activities in which they believed him to be encouraging youth to keep to Lithuanian traditions and calling people to resist the occupiers. His time as a priest was spent moving between Alytus, Lazdijai, Kudirkos Naumiestis, Prienai, and Vilkaviškis due to constant persecution. In 1972, having received the assent and blessing of Vincentas Sladkevičius, he started to secretly publish articles (“The Chronicle of Catholic Church in Lithuania”). The publication continued traditions inherited from book-carriers of the former century as well as the traditions of spiritual and peaceful resistance. In 1978, both he and others priests founded the Catholic committee to protect the believers’ rights. On May 6, 1983, he was arrested and on December 2, the same year, he was convicted to 6 years for strictly regime and exile for 3 years. Honorary citizen was granted on September 22, 1994.

(14/02/1907 – 11/07/2002) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

Born in Stebeikeliai village in Biržai. The early part of his childhood he lived in the USA and returned to Lithuania in 1914 where he later graduated in Humanities from the University of Vytautas Magnus. His first poem which he posted in the youth journal, was called “Spring” (“Pavasaris”). However, he continued to write and involve himself prolifically starting in 1926 with a published collection of poems called “White Days “and following this with the poem “The Crying Slave” and the anthology of young poets “The First Decade”. His University life and the period after this saw him continue with his writing poetry and editing poetry anthologies including “Eternal Jewish”, the student newspaper “Lithuanian student”, “Rays of Future”, “Windrow”, “Meridian”, “Lithuanian’s chronicle”, and in 1947 the chronicle of Lithuanian poets “The Years of Emigration”. His professional life included spells at the publishing house “Sakalas” (“Hawk”) and Director of the Maironis Literature museum. In 1944, he once again left Lithuania to live briefly in Ravensburg, Germany and then in 1949, he went to Boston in the USA to work as a coordinator of the Universal Literature Department of “Lithuania encyclopaedia”. The poetry of Bernardas Brazdžionis is truly original and has its grounding in Lithuanian tradition. The amplitude of his creation varies from romantic stardust to realism, from point of soft lyric to grotesque, from soft orison to redoubtable menace. According to poetic opinion, he is among the great poets of Lithuania. His literature created for children is above the level of only special literature. He lived for many years in Los Angeles, in the USA. Honorary citizen was granted on September 21, 1995.

(19/12/1964 – )

Born in Kaunas, he was the European Junior Championship champion, Olympic champion and as centre-forward of the Lithuanian National basketball team he won bronze medals in Barcelona and at the Atlanta Olympic games. The name of Sabonis is synonymous with the equally as well known Kaunas “Žalgiris” team. Since 1982, he was the Soviet Union sport class master, a member of the Kaunas “Žalgiris” basketball team. For a long time he played in foreign club teams in Spain, and then played in the top flight NBA league for the Seattle team. He has been, and continues to be, an excellent international ambassador for Lithuania, for Kaunas, and for basketball. His contribution to encourage local children and young people’s love for basketball has been exemplary. He is a giant of the game and we in Kaunas are proud to have him as one of our own! Honorary citizen of Kaunas City since September 11, 1997

(14/05/1928 – )

Algirdas Šocikas was born in Green Ostempas, Kaišiadorys region. In 1955, he earned the honorary name of Soviet Union boxing sports master. From 1948 to 1952 he was the champion of Baltic States heavyweight boxing; 1949 and 1954 the champion of International student games heavyweight boxing; 1950-1954, and 1956 he was the champion of Soviet Union heavyweight boxing; and in 1953 and 1955 he reigned as the European heavyweight-boxing champion. In 1957, he took up a career as a boxing team trainer and in 1959 graduated from the Physical training institute. Between 1962 and 1964 he was the Soviet Union honorary physical culture and sports figure and the honorary coach of the Soviet Union. In the eight years between 1966 and 1974 he wrote several books including “Sport Instructions and Sporting Passions” (together with K.Andziulis), “In the Ring and Behind it” (in Russian language). and “The fourth round”. Since 1977, he taught at the Physical Culture Institute and from 1980 he has been an associate professor. Honorary citizen of Kaunas City since September 11, 1997

(13/031902 – 02/01/2002) – Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

Born in Išlandžiai village, Marijampoles region, he studied here and in Vilnius and at Kaunas University at the Faculty of Humanities. His early career saw him working as a teacher and as a secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1928, he started translating fiction and in 1937/1938 he delivered a course on the Lithuanian language in Naples Oriental Institute. Upon his return to Lithuania, he continued working as a teacher in Kaunas “Aušros” boys high school and Kedainiai high school. In 1942 – 1944, he was an editor of Kaunas national publishing. His nationalistic and anti-occupation activities saw him imprisoned in NKVD Kaunas department under the Soviet regime and in 1950, he was sentenced to twenty five years in a prison camp with the confiscation of all his property. However, he only served five years and returned to Kaunas where he worked on translating works of world-famous writers into Lithuanian language: L. Tolstoy, A. Chekhov, V. Hugo, A. Franso, B. Celiny, L. Pirandel, G. Bokacco and others. His recognition came through this work and he received numerous awards for his achievements – including the Cavalier of the Third degree of Gediminas Order – as well as being the oldest member of the Lithuanian Writers and Journalist Union. Honorary citizen was granted on May 18, 2000.

(25/04/1921- 25/11/2003) – Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

Born in Kaironys village, Pagiriai Region, he graduated from Kedainiai high-school and then studied at Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University Faculty of Chemistry. In 1940, during the Russian occupation, he joined the resistant movements Sąjūdis and Antinazist, In 1943, he was elected on to the Board of the Union of Young Lithuanian Catholics – an underground organisation dedicated to publishing information in Lithuanian for freedom fighters and activists – and in 1944, with help from colleagues he established the Council of Lithuania Liberation becoming its chairman. A year later he was arrested and sentenced to death – although this was later changed to a ten-year sentence in prison – and returned to Kaunas in 1955. His post war career saw him produce and publish over fifty works, twenty-one of them were inventions. In February 1987, after three and a half years in prison for criticism of the constitution and memorial writing he wrote and published his memoirs along with other books on political topics. His prolific output included: two volumes of “Gyvenimo akimirkos” (Moments of life) – 1990; “Žvilgsnis į dabartį” (Look at the present) – 1992; “Politinių aistrų sukury” (In the whirl of politics) – 1994; “Spingsule tamsaus tunelio gale” (Light at the end of the tunnel) – 1995; “Baravykų raistas” (Valley of mushrooms) – 1997: “Praeities aidai” (Echoes of the Past), “Svetimų nepalaužtas, savų nepaklupdytas” (Not crushed by the enemies, not prostrated by friends – 1999). He also contributed a lot of articles to the local and national press, was one of the publishers of the magazine “Naujoji Romuva”. And was nationally recognised by the award of GDL Gediminas medal of the 4th rank. He will be remembered for many things least of all his time spent as a resistance fighter and ex-political prisoner, writer and publicist, doctor of technical sciences, and the chairman of “Atmintis” (Memory) – the Society of Residential Heritage.Honorary citizen of Kaunas City on May 18, 2000.

(26/02/1935 – 30/06/1998) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

He studied in Kaunas and in 1953, he entered Kaunas Seminary and upon being ordained worked with communities in Tauragė, Eržvilkis, Kelmė, Panevėžiukas amongst others. Since 1989, he was working as a priest in Kaunas Vytautas Magnus and St. Mykolas Archangel’s churches, Aleksotas Chapel. He taught philosophy in Kaunas Medical University and was chaplain at the Lithuanian academy of agriculture. In Kaunas City Hall in 1989, he presented his first volume of poems: “Kad Lietuva neišsivaikščiotų”, followed by a collection of poems “Šviesos spalvos”. In 1994, he was elected member of the board of the Union of Lithuanian Writers. In total, he published 6 books and an extract from the sermon “Prisikėlimas” (Ressurection) and was awarded many prizes for his work including being twice elected the most popular person in Kaunas City. (1993 and 1996), and the award of third rank order of Great Duke Gediminas. He died as a victim of violence in the city and was granted honorary citizen posthumously on November 30, 2000.

(29/11/1901 – 21/05/1986) Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

Born in Žadžiūnai – Kalniškiai village, Šiauliai region, he is one of Lithuania’s most famous writers and cultural figures of the second part of the 20th century. His early life included education at Šiauliai high school, and Vytautas Magnus University Faculty of Theology and Philosophy. In 1928-1939, he worked as editor of “Mūsų laikraštis” (Our Newspaper) and delivered a course of Lithuanian history and Lithuanian language for Jewish TARBOT. In 1937 – 1938, he was the president of Lithuanian Writers Association. In 1940 – 1949, he was the editor responsible for national fiction publishing. In 1989, at his house in Žaliakalnis area of Kaunas the Memorial museum of Juozas Gru?as was established (part of the Maironis Lithuanian literature museum). He is recognised as being a writer who, through his prose, dramaturgy and Lithuanian literature, raised national self-awareness, encouraged national revival, spread sensitivity and tolerance. Grušas was one of the writers association establishment initiators and worked as its board member for a many of years. Honorary citizen of Kaunas City was granted on October 25, 2001 (posthumously).

(08/02/1932 – )

Born in Linkuva, Pakruojis region and graduated from Biržai high school, and later the National Physical training institute of Lithuania. After a spell as Biržai region’s national team coach, he took over as senior coach of “Žalgiris” basketball men team from 1979 to 1989. His success with the Žalgiris team was phenomenal: Soviet Union championship silver medals – 1980; participation in the European Cup for the first time – 1981;Champions of the 50th Soviet Union championship – 1983; Silver in the Soviet Union Championship – 1984 and Gold in 1985; In the tournament of R.V. Johns Cup of the Championship of the World’s Best Club Teams, “Žalgiris” became the champions of the world’s best club teams. Such results were unprecedented at this time for Soviet basketball teams, and results owe a lot to the class and quality of the players we had: Valdemaras Chomičius, Sergejus Jovai?a, Arvydas Sabonis, Rimas Kurtinaitis, Algirdas Linkevičius. He was rewarded with the position as Head Coach to the National Lithaunian team coach going on to win with them the bronze medals in Olympics games in Barcelona in 1992, and in Atlanta in 1996. He was granted the sign of Honour for merits in Olympic movement, as well as for merits in Lithuanian sport by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, and he was also awarded orders of the first and thirds ranks of the Great Duke of Lithuanian Gediminas. Honorary citizen of Kaunas City was granted on January 24, 2002.

(23/03/1959 – 07/10/2002) – Buried in Petrašiūnai, Kaunas

Born in Kaunas but a graduate from LVK Faculty of Theatrical Art in Klaipėda, he also served two-years in the Soviet Army during the conflict in Afghanistan. This in part led him to become a leading community organiser and activist spending time as Head of the Utena Knitwear Factory club, a folk dance group, and Chairperson of the Union of Afghanistan Veterans. Between 1992 and 1995 he had a creative and successful spell as Director of Lithuanian Television, Kaunas Direction Programme “Svetimo skausmo nebuna”. His other business interests saw him as Manager of the company “Logika ir azartas” and later as Manager at the company “Gedimex”. In his short political life. Ruzas was a member of Kaunas City Council (Social Democrat Party) since 1997; and in 2000 he was elected as a member of Seimas with a position on the Committee of National Security and Defence. He died on October 7th, 2002, after serious injuries in a car accident near Rumšiškes. Honorary Citizen of Kaunas was granted on February 20, 2003.

(15/11/1954 – )

Aleksander Kwasniewski was born on November 15th, 1954, in Bialogard, (formerly Koszalin Voivodship, presently West-Pomeranian Province). Wife Jolanta, maiden name Konty, daughter Aleksandra (born 1981).

In the years 1973-1977, Aleksander Kwasniewski read for transport economics (foreign trade) at the Gdansk University. An activist of the student movement up to 1982, having held, among other functions, chairmanship of the University Council of the Socialist Union of Polish Students (SZSP) from 1976 to 1977, vice-chairmanship of the Gdansk Voivodship Union from 1977 to 1979. A member of the SZSP supreme authorities from 1977 to 1982. From November 1981 to February 1984 – editor in chief of student weekly “ITD,” next editor in chief of daily “Sztandar Mlodych” from 1984 to 1985. A co-founder of the first computer-science periodical in Poland “Bajtek” in 1985.

From 1985 to 1987, Minister for Youth Affairs in the Zbigniew Messner government, and then Chairman of the Committee for Youth and Physical Culture till June 1990. A member of the Mieczyslaw Rakowski government, then a cabinet minister and Chairman of the government Social-Political Committee from October 1988 to September 1989. A participant at the Round-Table negotiations, co-chairing with Tadeusz Mazowiecki and Romuald Sosnowski the task group for trade union pluralism. A member of the Polish United Workers’ Party from 1977 to 1990. A co-founding member of the Social Democratic Party of the Republic of Poland from January to February 1990, and its first chairman till December 1995. One of the founding members of the Democratic Left Alliance in 1991. A sports activist in the Student Sports Union from 1975 to 1979 and the Polish Olympic Committee (PKOL). PKOL president from 1988 to 1991. Distinguished with the Golden Olympic Order of the International Olympic Committee in 1998 and the Golden Order of Merit of the International Amateur Athletic Federation in 1999, and in 2000 Order of Merit EOC (European Olympic Committee).

Running for the Sejm (lower house of Parliament) from the Warsaw constituency, he won the largest number of votes, 148,533 to be exact. Leader of the parliamentary caucus of the Democratic Left Alliance in the first and second term (1991-1995). A member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and chairman of the Constitutional Committee of the National Assembly from November 1993 to November 1995.

Aleksander Kwasniewski won the presidential elections for the first time in 1995 on the election campaign slogans: “Let’s choose the future” and “Common Poland,” collecting 51.7 percent of votes, against 48.3 percent cast on Lech Walesa. In a year 2000 he won again collecting 53,9% of votes in the first run. His election campaign slogan was: “The home of all – Poland”. Sworn into office on December 23rd, 1995, as President of the Republic of Poland. On the same day, President Kwasniewski took an oath as Superior of the Armed Forces at the First Fighter Wing, “Warszawa”, in Minsk Mazowiecki. On December 23rd, 2000 he took his office for the second term.

(21/01/1938 – 09/05/2011)

Actress Rūta Staliliūnaitė was born on 21 January 1938 in Šiauliai. 1953-1956 she studied at Krakiai Secondary School in Kėdainiai district, 1956-1959 – at Kaunas J.Gruodis Music School, 1959-1963 she studied at the Faculty of Acting Art of the Lithuanian State Conservatoire. 1953-1956 studied at the Kėdainiai District Krakiai Secondary School. 1956-1959 – Kaunas J.Gruodis Music School. 1959-1963 studied at the Theatre Faculty of the Lithuanian State Conservatoire. 1963-1993 actress at Kaunas State Drama Theatre (KVDT). Rūta Staliliūnaitė’s creative biography includes dozens of roles, most of them leading roles, which have become prominent signs of the history of Lithuanian theatre. Since 1993, when she voluntarily left the only theatre of her life – Kaunas State Drama Theatre, she has been creating literary reading programmes, poetry evenings, participating in joint literary and musical projects, and is a member of the Council of Kaunas M. K. Čiurlionis Society.

Awards

1970 – Merited Artist title

1973 – LSSR State Prize

1980 – People’s Artist title

1998 – “Kristofors” Prize

1998 – Government Art Prize

1998 – Order of Gediminas of the Grand Dutchy of Lithuania, IV degree

2001 – Kaunas “Artist of the Year” title

2004 – Honorary Citizen of Kaunas City

2008 – Santaka Honorary Medal of Honour, 2nd degree

2008 – Honorary Mark of the Governor of Kaunas County

2008 – Fortune of Gratitude for services to Lithuanian theatre

2008 – Kaunas City Municipality Culture and Art Prize for the promotion of performing arts and significant cultural activities

2008 – National Culture and Art Prize for high theatre art, for roles that have become symbols of Lithuanian theatre, for Barbora, Kleopatra, Nora, Jurga, Morta…

(31/03/1928 – 14/09/2006)

Professor of Medicine was born in Raseiniai district. He is one of the most prominent Lithuanian cardiologists, the founder of the cardiology service and rehabilitation system in Kaunas region and Lithuania. A distinguished Lithuanian cardiologist, he graduated with honors from Kaunas Medical Institute in 1952. He began as a therapist in Pskov, later returning to Kaunas for post-graduate studies, becoming a Doctor of Medicine in 1968. He lectured at Kaunas Medical Institute from 1958 to 1992, became a professor in 1971, and led the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of the Cardiovascular System. As Chief Cardiologist and head of Lithuania’s cardiology services, he established foundational facilities and chaired the Lithuanian Society of Cardiology. A recipient of two Lithuanian State Prizes, he was honored as Professor Emeritus and recognized internationally for his contributions to cardiology.

Awards

1968 – LSSR State Prize

1984 – LSSR State Prize

(03/11/1926)

Valdas Adamkus, born in Kaunas in 1926, fled with his family to Germany during WWII and later moved to the U.S. In Chicago, he worked as a laborer, then graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology in civil engineering. A leader in environmental work, he rose to become the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the Midwest.

Active in Lithuanian-American community and political life, Adamkus founded sports clubs, organized protests for Lithuanian independence, and led environmental initiatives. Returning to Lithuania, he managed the 1993 presidential campaign of Stasys Lozoraitis and helped in Seimas elections.

Adamkus was elected President of Lithuania in 1998 and re-elected in 2004, focusing on rapid modernization and European integration. Known for his contributions to Lithuanian culture and society, he holds numerous honors, including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and the highest state awards from 25 countries.

Awards

1988 – Gold Medal of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Presidential Distinguished Service Award

1988 – International Conservation Award

US Environmental Protection Agency’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Service and the US President’s Award for Distinguished Service.

He was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Kaunas by the decision of the Kaunas City Council on 30 November 2006.

(03/01/1943 – 06/12/2020)

Petras Bingelis, born in 1943 in Varėna district, studied choral conducting at Vilnius Juozas Tallat-Kelpša Music Technical School and later at the Lithuanian State Conservatoire. He further trained in orchestral conducting in Leipzig under Professors R. Reuter and K. Masur.

Early in his career, Bingelis led the Vilnius Men’s Choir “Varpas,” achieving notable success, including awards at the Vilnius City Choir Review and international acclaim at the IV International Festival of Choral Song in France. Since 1969, he has directed the Kaunas State Choir, conducting major vocal-instrumental works by composers like Bach, Mozart, Verdi, and Beethoven alongside the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra.

Beyond the choir, Bingelis conducts at the Pažaislis Music Festival, leads Lithuanian Song Festivals, and serves as a professor at the Lithuanian Academy of Music, shaping Lithuania’s choral music landscape.

Awards

1974 – Honored Artist of the Lithuanian SSR

1980 – Honored Artist of the LSSR

1982 – Honored Artist of Udmurtia ASSR [2]

1993 – Lithuanian National Prize

1994 – Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas of Lithuania, 4th degree

2003 – Grand Cross of the Commander of the Order “For Merits to Lithuania”

2008 – Honorary Citizen of Kaunas City.

(08/09/1952)

Eugenijus Miliūnas was born on 08 September 1952 in Panevėžys. In 1975 he graduated from Vilnius Engineering Construction Institute (VISI), graduated as an architect. In 1980-97 he worked as an architect at AB “Miestprojektas” in Kaunas, from 1991 he was the head of the VIIIth design department. In 1995 he taught at the Faculty of Arts of Vytautas Magnus University, and in 1996 – at the Department of Architecture of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Associate Professor). Since 1993 he has been teaching at the Department of Architecture of the Kaunas Art Institute of the Academy of Fine Arts (Associate Professor). Since 1992 he has been the head of an individual design company “E. Miliūnas studija”. Since 1977 he has been a member of the Lithuanian Union of Architects, a member of the board of the Kaunas branch (1978-97). Honorary citizen of Kaunas.

Awards

1975 – former USSR AS second degree diploma for the “Experimental Residential House” project.

1981 – former “RAS” project. Diploma of the USSR AS Young Architects’ Creativity Review.

1984 – former architect’s diploma of the former architectural school of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The “Best Project of the Year” award of the LSSR AS for the M.Žilinskas Art Gallery in Kaunas.

1986 – the former Art. Second Degree Diploma of the 9th All-Union Survey of Young Architects’ Creativity of the USSR AS.

1986 – the former Art Academy of the Russian Academy of Arts, the former State Academy of Arts of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 1986 USSR AS All-Union Architectural Review Award for the shop “Rėda”.

1987 – former. Silver Medal of the Exhibition of Achievements of the People’s Economy of the USSR “For Achievements in the Development of the People’s Economy of the USSR” (for the shop “Rėda”).

1990 – Nomination by the Lithuanian Union of Architects for the National Award.

1992 – Award for the “Reda” building in Šiauliai. 1992 – Award for the Catholic Church of the Heart of Jesus in the exhibition-competition “The Best Project of the Year”.

1992 – Award for the best project of the year (monument to the rebels of June 1941 in the former Kaunas Old Cemetery), in the exhibition-contest “The Best Project of the Year”.

1994 – Diploma of LAS Kaunas Branch for the best realization of the public building “Lita-West” in 1994.

1999 – Art Prize of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania for the “Most Significant Works for Lithuanian Art and Culture”.

1999 – “Archiforma” magazine award of the year for the Catherine monastery in Šilainiai, Kaunas.

2000 – Award for the best architectural realization (Cotryniets Monastery in Kaunas), in the exhibition-contest “The Best Project of the Year”.

2000 – Acknowledgement from the Kaunas County Governor’s Administration for “Work in the realisation of the project of the year 2000 for the Cotryniets Monastery in Kaunas”.

2003 – Diploma for the Palace of Sports and Culture in Kaunas (2002), in the exhibition “Lithuanian Architecture 2000-2003. A glance at itself”.

2006 – “For Experience” award

2008 – “Architect of the Year” nomination for Kaunas Arena on Nemunas Island and other important projects

2008 – selected as “The Most Memorable Kaunas Artist 2008”

2009 – Awarded the silver-plated medal of Kaunas City Mayor Jonas Vileišis

2011 – awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Kaunas City.

(18/05/1927)

Born in Ukmergė, in a family of townspeople. His father was a man of the light: he served as a surveyor in Kaunas, the temporary capital. Regina Varnaitė shared her parents’ attention with her two years older brother Eriks. The actress’s father aspired to live in nature rather than surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, so he bought a small farm in the suburbs, in the village of Darbėniškės, where he moved with his family.

The personality of the actress was shaped by the boys living in the neighbourhood, of whom she was the only girl. Varnaitė spent a lot of time with her older brother Eriks, from whom she gradually picked up the boys’ habits and their game tactics. In her childhood, the actress dressed in trousers instead of dresses. Later, when she crossed the school threshold (Smetona Gymnasium), she wrote her second baptismal name – Regina – next to her surname.

In 1946, she passed her exams and was accepted to the Kaunas Drama Theatre Studio. The course director was Antanas Sutkus. Regina Varnaitė and her husband, the actor Vytautas Eidukaitis, had two daughters – the eldest Vyta and the youngest Aušra Eidukaitė. Vyta attended a ballet studio for five years, while Aušra studied art at the Juozas Naujalis Art School. Vyta chose the profession of a forester, while Aušra is currently working in the Seimas and has completed her doctoral studies in theology and philosophy.

(29/01/1942)

Zigmantas Kiaupa, is a noted historian specializing in the political and cultural history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Lithuanian cities, and historical sources. He authored the first post-1990 political history of Lithuania and numerous articles published internationally. Together, they published works such as Instructions to the Administration of Feudal Estates in Lithuania (1985) and edited Praeitis (vol. 3, 1992). Kiaupa also chairs the editorial boards of Kaunas Historical Yearbook and Lithuanian Historical Yearbook, and was a key figure in re-establishing the Lithuanian Historical Society in 1988.

(29/04/1929 – 15/08/2021)

Jurgis Brėdikis was a prominent Lithuanian cardiac surgeon, diplomat, and public figure, recognized for his contributions to biomedical sciences. A graduate of Kaunas Medical Institute, he became a professor in 1966 and led the Department of Hospital Surgery until 1990. He pioneered advanced cardiac treatments in Lithuania and held roles as Minister of Health (1993–1994) and ambassador to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Turkey (1995–1998). Brėdikis authored 13 monographs, over 60 inventions, and was active in medical societies internationally. In later years, he chaired the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Charity Foundation and co-founded the “Šviesuva” Association.

Awards

1968 LSSR State Prize
1976 Honored Scientist of the LSSR
1980 LSSR State Prize
1986 Order of the Red Banner of Labour
2009 Commander’s Cross of the Order “For Merits to Lithuania”
2010 Kaunas City Municipality Kindness Crystal

(19/08/1935)

In 1954 she graduated from Kaunas 3rd Girls’ Gymnasium, in 1960 she graduated from Kaunas Medical Institute, medical therapist, from 1972 she was a candidate for medical sciences.
1960-1992 Lecturer at Kaunas Medical Institute, Associate Professor since 1988. She has written methodological educational tools, textbooks on social hygiene, health care organization, articles on social hygiene, history of Lithuanian medicine and other topics.
Since 1960, together with Česlovas Norvaiša began attending the entertainment dance courses of Vidas Kamatis at the Kaunas Chamber of Trade Union Culture. Between 1963 and 1985 dancers from the entertainment dance ensemble of Kaunas Chamber of Culture of Trade Unions with Č. Norvaiša. She has been a singer of the Lithuanian String Orchestra for some time. In 1965, together with her husband, she was the initiator of the ‘Amber Couple’ International Dance Competition. Member of the 1967-1974 World and European Dance Championships. Between 1964 and 1974, the Lithuanian champion of sports dances, winner of the first ballroom dance competition of the USSR in Moscow in 1972, won awards in international sports dance competitions. Since 1974, together with Č. Norvaiša, she has been the head and coach of the Sūkurys ensemble of the Kaunas Chamber of Trade Union Culture, and coach of the Lithuanian, USSR, Bulgarian and Kazakh ballroom dance teams from 1975 to 1989. Together with Č. Norvaiša he created choreographic drama performances.

Awards

1968 International class dancer
1974 Judge of the highest category of sports dancing
1975 International Dance Judge
1996 Officer’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas
2017  the title of Honorary Citizen of Kaunas City

(07/05/1935)

In 1954 he graduated from Šiauliai Julius Janonis Secondary School, in 1960 he graduated from Kaunas Medical Institute, doctor.
1961-1989 Chief doctor of the sanatorium Banga, Kaunas Radio Factory.
Since 1960, together with Jurate Norvaišiene, he began attending the entertainment dance courses of Vidas Kamatis at the Kaunas Chamber of Trade Union Culture. In 1963-1985 together with J. Norvaišiene dancers of the entertainment dance ensemble of Kaunas Chamber of Trade Union Culture. In 1965, together with his wife, he was the initiator of the ‘Amber Couple’ International Dance Competition. He participated in the 1967-1974 World and European Dance Championships. In 1964-1974, the Lithuanian champion of sports dances, the winner of the first USSR ballroom dance competition in Moscow in 1972, won awards in international sports dance competitions. Since 1974, together with J. Norvaišiene, he has been the head and coach of the Kaunas Trade Union Culture Chamber ensemble Sūkurys, and coach of the Lithuanian, USSR, Bulgarian and Kazakh recreational dance teams from 1975 to 1989. Together with J. Norvaišiene he created choreographic drama performances.
1987-1989 President of the Ballroom Dance Association of the USSR. 1992-2000 President of the Lithuanian Sports Dance Federation, since 2000 Vice-President, Honorary President.

Awards

1968 International class dancer
1975 International Dance Judge
1996 Officer’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas

(08/07/1932)

Algirdas Antanas Avižienis, a pioneering computer scientist, is celebrated for leading the development of NASA’s first self-repairing spacecraft computer, the STAR, which revolutionized reliability in computing and space exploration. After his family emigrated to the U.S. in 1950, Avižienis pursued electrical engineering at Illinois State University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees by 1955, and completed his Ph.D. in 1960. He then joined NASA’s Space Exploration Laboratory, where he worked until 1982, earning numerous accolades including a NASA Medal of Excellence. Later, as a professor and director at the University of California, he specialized in fault-tolerant systems until becoming professor emeritus in 1994. Returning to Lithuania, he chaired the 1989 conference that reestablished Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), served as its first rector, and introduced a Westernized degree structure. Honored as a VMU Professor, Avižienis continued his impactful work there until 2010.

Awards

Key honors include the 1965 Pan-American Congress Gold Medal, the 1969 NASA Apollo Achievement Award, and the 1973 IEEE Fellowship. Recognized for his pioneering work, he earned the 1979 AIAA Information Systems Award, the 1980 NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and 1985 IEEE Technical Achievement Award. He was named Honorary Professor at Vytautas Magnus University in 1994 and received the 2012 prestigious Eckert-Mauchly Award. Avižienis was also named an Honorary Citizen of Anykščiai in 2012 and Kaunas in 2019 for his significant contributions.

(22/02/1953 – 15/05/1972)

• February 22, 1953 – Romas Kalanta is born in Alytus, Lithuania.
• 1963 – Kalanta’s family moves to Kaunas.
• 1971 – Kalanta is expelled from the Communist Youth League and switches to evening school.
• May 14, 1972 – Kalanta self-immolates in Kaunas to protest Soviet occupation.
• May 15, 1972 – Kalanta dies in the hospital.
• May 18-19, 1972 – Mass protests erupt in Kaunas following Kalanta’s funeral.
• 1989 – New psychiatric commission finds no evidence of Kalanta’s mental illness.
• July 1, 2000 – Kalanta posthumously awarded the Order of the Cross of Vytis.
• May 7, 2002 – Seimas declares May 14 as the Day of Civil Resistance in Kalanta’s honor.

(03/07/1957)

Born on July 3, 1957, in Noriškiai, Plungė district, this accomplished Lithuanian cardiac surgeon studied at Kaunas Medical Institute, graduating in 1980. He began his career as an internal surgeon, later focusing on cardiac surgery, with extensive post-graduate training in the USSR, Lithuania, Denmark, Belgium, and Sweden. Since 1994, he has led the Cardiosurgery Clinic at Kaunas Medical Academy and became the director of its Cardiology Institute in 2004. He has held key academic roles, including Chair of the Senate of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (2015-2020) and has published 457 scientific papers, presenting internationally in the USA, Europe, and beyond.

Awards

Prof. Dr. Rimantas Benetis was awarded the Kaunas City Municipality 1st degree Santaka Honorary Sign in 2021 and the Kaunas City Honorary Citizen’s Name in 2023.