KUZMA VEKIRCHYK – SCIENTIST, TEACHER, MENTOR (dedicated to 95th anniversary)

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the memory of Professor Kuzma Mykolayovych Vekirchyk, a distinguished scientist in the field of plant physiology and microbiology, educator, journalist, public figure, and veteran of the Second World War. Kuzma Vekirchyk was an honorary member of the Ukrainian Society of Plant Physiologists, a member of the Society of Microbiologists of Ukraine, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, and a well-known figure in academia and beyond.
His life and work are celebrated as the scientific community prepares to commemorate the 95th anniversary of his birth on September 15, 2024.
Kuzma Mykolaiovych Vekirchyk was born in the village of Zadubrivtsi, Snyatyn district, Ivano-Frankivsk region in a peasant family.
He began his education, with a break from the misery of World war II, from the Zadubrivtsi Seven Years School, which he graduated in 1947 with a commendable diploma. In the difficult post-war years, the graduate excellent student from school to teach the literacy of villagers. Then Kuzma Vekirchyk became a student of Snyatyn Agricultural College, graduated with honors in 1952 and entered the Biology Faculty of Chernivtsi University, graduating also with honors in 1957 with a major in plant physiology.
After studying at the university, he was promoted to the post of teacher of biology and chemistry at the secondary school of Zelena village, Kelmenetsky district, Chernivtsi region, where he worked from 1957 to 1959.
In 1959, K. M. Vekirchyk continued his scientific growth, entering postgraduate studies at the Department of Plant Physiology and Microbiology, Chernivtsi University. The young scientist is engaged in the study of foliar nutrition of plants with microelements under the guidance of the famous Ukrainian professor of plant physiologist – G. X. Molotkovskiy.
For 42 years, the life of K. M. Vekirchyk was closely connected with the department of botany of the Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, where he made his way from a senior teacher to a professor. The scientist studied the influence of trace elements and biologically active substances on symbiotic nitrogen fixation, growth, development and productivity of legumes and other plants, initiated the publication of a series of articles about famous teachers of educational institutions of Ternopil and amazing creations of nature, was the deputy editor-in-chief of the yearbook «Ukrainian science: past, present, the future». Vekirchyk was a prolific author, publishing over 360 scientific, educational-methodological, and popular science articles, including seven textbooks and teaching manuals. He was also deeply involved in public, educational, and patriotic work, mentoring students and serving as a role model for his peers. His kindness, intelligence, modesty, and dedication left a lasting impression on those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.