The Kuban State University (Russian: Кубанский государственный университет KubSU) was founded on September 19, 1920. Since then it has trained over 100,000 specialists, including over 1,000 foreign students. KubSU is a member of the European University Association and a member of the US Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS). KubSU is a member of the Eurasian University Association and the Federal Center of Science and High Technology “All-Russian Scientific-Research Institute for the Problems of Civil Defense and Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation.” KubSU is a participant in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) In 1994, KubSU was ranked by the Russian Government as one of the leading institutions of higher education in Russia. In 2002 the Kuban State University was rewarded with the gold medal for the perfect business reputation; in 2004-2005 it was included in the 100 of best Russian higher education institutions and rewarded with the gold medal “European Quality”. KubSU president in 1982–2008 — V.A.