Rūta Grušnienė donates €100,000 to VU Foundation for Grand Duchy of Lithuania history research

Entrepreneur and Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Philology alumna, Rūta Grušnienė, has donated 100,000 euros to strengthen VU's Department of Ancient and Medieval History in the Faculty of History. A significant portion of the donation will be used to establish an endowment sub-fund in Grušnienė's name at the VU Foundation, with the investment returns supporting the department's activities and initiatives. Part of the donation will be used immediately.

Reception with the Rector of Vilnius University. From left: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liudas Jovaiša, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Loreta Skurvydaitė, Rūta Grušnienė, Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Giedrė and Ramunė Grušnytė, Justinas Noreika (Ugnius Bagdonavičius photo)

"I am glad to contribute to the research of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania's history, as knowledge of Lithuania's past is incredibly important in today's context. Understanding the statehood of the Grand Duchy shapes the Lithuanian mentality and self-awareness. This is my first step in supporting Vilnius University, and I do not intend to stop here. I invite everyone who cares about or is interested in Lithuanian history to contribute to the R. Grušnienė Sub-fund within the VU Foundation with donations of any size," says entrepreneur Rūta Grušnienė.

The Department of Ancient and Medieval History at the VU Faculty of History was established in 1990 following a reorganization of the faculty's structure. The department's research focuses on the comprehensive study of the multicultural society of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL). From 2006 to 2020, the department was led by the current VU Rector, Professor Rimvydas Petrauskas, and since 2020, it has been headed by Associate Professor Dr. Liudas Jovaiša.

"The history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania is a crucial part of Lithuania's historical identity. It is essential for Lithuania to have a strong GDL research center that holds authority within the broader international research community. GDL studies are complex, requiring knowledge of various languages, historiographical traditions, and more. This support will undoubtedly promote GDL research and studies at the university," says VU Rector, Professor Rimvydas Petrauskas.

The main research areas of the scholars at the Department of Ancient and Medieval History focus on the study and publication of sources related to the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the structure and development of GDL society from the 14th to the 18th century. The department oversees a bachelor's program in history with a specialization in medieval studies and is a leader in medieval and GDL studies in Lithuania. It collaborates with research centers in other countries with GDL heritage, such as Poland and Ukraine, as well as with historians from various other countries.

"The generous donation from Rūta Grušnienė was initially received by the department members as a very pleasant surprise—an inspiring sign of exceptional trust and a motivation to consider new forms of activity. Over the next three years, we plan to use the funds for organizing an international scientific conference, exploring and researching GDL heritage in foreign archives, as well as for scientific publications and research, involving promising students in this work," says the head of the department, Associate Professor Dr. Liudas Jovaiša.

The value of the VU endowment fund has reached €7.20 million following the new contribution, with investment management results totaling €1.23 million since January 2019. The fund has already allocated over €1.6 million for financing VU projects and initiatives from investment returns and targeted donations.