Honorary Citizens
A severe fire devastated Novonikolaevsk in May 1909. It began in the center of the city and quickly spread towards the Ob River. The city was on fire for four hours. The administrative board reported that 794 households burnt to ashes and eight thousand people were left homeless. An important official arrived to inspect the burnt site. It was Nikolai L. Gondatti, an explorer of Northern and North-Eastern Siberia and the Governor of the Tomsk Province at the time. He investigated the causes of the catastrophe and held the city officials accountable. After the investigation, the governor took actionable measures, including insurance support, sourcing of construction materials from the national treasury to restore the city, and assisting the city’s administrative board with city planning. For these merits, Nikolai Gondatti became an Honorary Citizen of Novonikolaevsk.
The city was soon restored and continued to grow and expand even faster than before. Vladimir I. Zhernakov, the head of the city, played an important role in the city’s development. During V. Zhernakov’s five years in office, Novonikolaevsk underwent improvement of such caliber that took other cities several decades to achieve. V. Zhernakov paved the way for the construction of stone buildings, with a special focus on education and healthcare development. Asphalted sidewalks and paved streets, public telephones and outdoor lighting-all these signs of civilization also appeared during V. Zhernakov’s term in office. In 1949, the day following his resignation, he became an Honorary Citizen of Novonikolaevsk.
Nikolai L. Gondatti
Governor of the Tomsk Province, Acting Civil Councilor, Chamberlain of the Emperor’s Court; the first and the last civil governor of the Priamursky Territory
He was awarded the Honorary Citizen title on 3 May 1910 for numerous merits in helping the city during a devastating fire on 11 May 1909.
Vladimir I. Zhernakov
1878 — ?
The first head of the city from 9 January 1909 to 17 March 1914
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 18 March 1914 for his contribution to the city’s development during his five years in office as head of the City Duma. His portrait was also placed in Duma hall.
World War, revolutions, the Civil War, the collapse of the pre-revolution ideology and subsequent events obscured the importance of the emerging institution of Honorary City Residents. With city administrators quickly replacing one other and being dependent on the central government, this institution was neglected and remained frozen until the 60s. At that time, Ivan P. Sevastyanov, an outstanding municipal administrator, became the chairman of the Novosibirsk City Executive Committee. Using ideological leverage, in 1967 he managed to restore the tradition of Honorary Citizens of a Megacity. The list of Novosibirsk’s Honorary Citizens was immediately complemented with three new names, and 14 more were added later on. Until 1996, the Honorary Citizen of Novosibirsk title was awarded at the discretion of city administrators, with no legal system behind the process. In some sense, the process was spontaneous. The procedure was streamlined by the Regulations on the Honorary Citizens title, approved by the City Council in 1996.
Throughout Novosibirsk’s history, spanning 117 years, 31 people have been recognized as Honorary Citizens, including 28 people since the 1960s.
Ignatiy V. Gromov
10.02.1884 — 15.02.1971
One of the guerilla movement leaders in Western Siberia and Deputy Chairman of Novonikolaevsk Province Executive Committee
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 7 December 1967 for taking an active part in establishing Soviet rule in Siberia.
Yakov M. Elichev
19.10.1908 — 22.12.1989
Brick-laying team leader, SU-17 of Zapsibtrans-Story Trust, Socialist Labor Hero; he was in charge of one of the integrated construction teams
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 7 December 1967 for taking an active part in the city’s construction.
Alexander I. Pokryshkin
06.03.1913 — 13.11.1985
Glorified pilot of the Great Patriotic War
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 7 December 1967 for outstanding merits and heroic acts defending the Soviet Union.
Mikhail A. Lavrentyev
19.11.1900 — 15.10.1980
Chairman of the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Soviet Union Academy of Sciences, Socialist Labor Hero
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 17 August 1970 for his outstanding contribution to the creation and development of a major science center of the Siberian Branch of the Soviet Union Academy of Sciences.
Lydia V. Myasnikova
21.09.1911 — 14.01.2005
Professor at the Novosibirsk State Conservatory named after M. Glinka and People’s Artist of the Soviet Union. For many years, she was the leading soloist of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet House
She received the Honorary Citizen title on 15 June 1983 for her great contribution to the development of city culture and the promotion of Soviet artistic achievements.
Andrey A. Trofimuk
16.08.1911 — 24.03.1999
First Deputy Chairman, Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Soviet Union Academy of Sciences, Director of the Geology and Geophysics Institute, academician, Socialist Labor Hero
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 15 June 1983 for his great contribution to the establishment of the Siberian Branch of the Soviet Union Academy of Sciences and the development of science and manufacturing resources in Siberia.
Ivan I. Shurbin
Born on 23.01.1927
Mechanic of Tyazhstankohydropress Manufacturing Association, foreman and mentor of College No. 17, Socialist Labor Hero
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 15 June 1983 for his outstanding manufacturing performance, active participation in training new workers, and rigorous public work.
Afanasiy L. Koptelov
06.11.1903 — 30.10.1990
Writer and laureate of the USSR State Prize
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 22 December 1986 for his contribution to the development of Soviet literature as well as his personal contribution to the city’s cultural life and his extensive public work.
Georgiy P. Lyschinsky
05.11.1922 — 08.04.1995
He was Rector of the Novosibirsk Electronic Technical Institute between 1956 and 1990 and head of the electric drive department for 35 years, which became an R&D base for many industrial sectors
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 22 June 1993 for his outstanding contribution to the development of engineering education and engineering resources.
Evgeniy N. Meshalkin
25.02.1916 — 08.03.1997
He was Full-fledged member of the Russian Academy of Medical Science, Socialist Labor Hero, Lenin Prize winner, scientist emeritus and founder of the Circulation Pathology Institute
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 22 June 1993 for his outstanding contribution to the development of medical science and the establishment of the Siberian Cardiosurgery School.
Ivan P. Sevastyanov
28.01.1918 — 20.03.1996
He was Chairman of the Novosibirsk City Executive Committee
Over these years, the city achieved significant results in the construction of housing and many other vital infrastructure facilities, including the second bridge over the Ob River, wastewater treatment facilities, central gas supply and an underground railway.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 22 June 1993 for his outstanding contributions to city development.
Valentin A. Koptyug
09.06.1931 — 10.01.1997
He was Chairman of the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Organic Chemistry Institute, academician, Socialist Labor Hero, Lenin Prize winner
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 6 June 1996 for his outstanding contribution to the development of the city’s scientific potential.
Vlail P. Kaznacheev
17.07.1924 — 14.10.2014
He was Director of the Institute for General Human Pathology and Ecology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, full-fledged member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 3 July 1998 for his outstanding contribution to the establishment of the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Medical Sciences and the development of biology.
Alexander A. Karelin
Born on 19.09.1967
Hero of Russia, Honored Master of Sports of the Soviet Union, three-time Olympic champion, multi-time champion of the world, Europe, Soviet Union and Russia
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 3 June 1998 for his outstanding sports achievements and important contribution to the development of sports in Novosibirsk.
Arnold M. Kats
18.09.1924 — 22.01.2007
He was Artistic Director and principal conductor of the Novosibirsk Symphony Orchestra, professor, winner of the State Award, and People’s Artist of the Soviet Union
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 3 June 1998 for his outstanding contribution to the development of music in Novosibirsk.
Gennadiy D. Lykov
02.04.1932 — 07.06.2001
He was General Manager of Sibacademstroy Construction and Industrial Company, honorary builder of the Russian Federation, member of the Chernobyl accident response team
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 3 June 1998 for his outstanding contribution to the construction of the largest industrial, scientific, social and cultural facilities in Novosibirsk.
Yuri I. Borodin
Born on 22.03.1929
Director of the Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Medicine, full-fledged member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 20 June 2000 for his outstanding contribution to medical science and practical healthcare development in Novosibirsk.
Ivan I. Indinok
Born on 06.08.1938
Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Novosibirsk Branch of ACB Russian General Bank
He was awarded two Orders of the Red Banner of Labor and the Second Degree Order of St. Daniel of Moscow. Between 1989 and 1993, he was the Chairman of the City Executive Committee and Mayor of Novosibirsk. From 1993 to 1996, he was the head of the Novosibirsk Region Administration.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 18 June 2003 for his great personal contribution to the development and establishment of local government in the city, as well as humanitarian, educational, and charity activities to support city residents.
Anna Y. Pokidchenko
01.01.1926 — 02.03.2014
She was Artist of the Red Torch Drama Theatre and People’s Artist of the Russian Soviet Republic and the Soviet Union
In 2001, she was awarded the Order of Friendship.
She received the Honorary Citizen title on 18 June 2003 for her outstanding contribution to the development of theatre and culture in the city.
Alexander P. Filatov
24.06.1922 — 15.05.2016
He was First Secretary of the Novosibirsk Regional Committee of the Soviet Union Communist Party from 1978 to 1988
For many years, he was the Deputy of the Supreme Council of the Russian Soviet Republic and the Soviet Union, and candidate to members of the Central Committee of the Soviet Union Communist Party. He received the Lenin Order, Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and Honor Badge.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 18 June 2003 for his outstanding performance over many years and his personal contribution to the city’s social and economic development.
Alexander S. Chernobrovtsev
12.09.1930 — 13.04.2013
Painter, Honored Arts Worker of the Russian Federation and author of many monumental memorials in Novosibirsk, including the Monument of Glory and the St. Nicolas Chapel fresco painting
He was awarded with the 100 Years after Lenin’s Birth and Veteran of Labor medals.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 18 June 2003 for his outstanding contribution to the development of the city’s monumental art and culture.
Valeriy N. Karmachev
02.05.1938 — 10.02.2016
He was General Manager of PMSP Electron, Honored Builder of the Russian Federation, member of the Chernobyl accident response team
He was awarded the Fourth Degree Order for Merits before the Fatherland, Order of the Red Banner of Labor, Order of Peoples’ Friendship, Honor Badge, and four medals. He is a Veteran of Labor of the Russian Federation, Veteran of Labor of the Ministry of Nuclear Energy, and has letters of recognition from the Novosibirsk Mayor’s Office and Novosibirsk Region Governor.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 22 June 2005 for his great personal contribution to the city’s social and economic development.
Nikolai L. Dobretsov
Born on 15.01.1936
A prominent scientist in geology, mineralogy, magma petrology, tectonics, and depth geodynamics, famous in Russia and worldwide
He is the author and co-author of over 470 scientific works, including over 20 books. Between 1997 and 2008 he was head of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He was awarded the Second Degree Order for Merits before the Fatherland, Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and BAM building medal. He is the 1976 Lenin Prize winner, and the 1997 winner of the State Award of the Russian Federation, 1999 Demidov Award, and 2003 Kosygin Award.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 23 May 2007 for his important contribution to the development of science in Siberia.
Alexander N. Skrinsky
Born on 15.01.1936
Director of the Budker Nuclear Physics Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
He is the author and co-author of over 800 publications and takes an active part in training researchers. His students include one academician, 4 members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 15 doctors and 45 candidates. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, Order of the October Revolution, and the Second, Third, and Fourth Degree Orders for Merits before the Fatherland. He is the 1967 Lenin Prize winner, winner of the 1989 State Prize of the Soviet Union and the 2001 Russian Federation Prize, 1997 Demidov Award, Vexler and Kapitsa Gold Medals of the RAS.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 23 May 2007 for his important contribution to the development of nuclear physics and for training highly competent specialists.
Rostislav A. Shilo
23.10.1940 — 26.04.2014
Honorary Culture Professional
Since 1969 he has served as the Director of the Novosibirsk Zoo. Over these years the Zoo has acquired a unique collection of animals: about 10,000 specimens of 416 species. The Novosibirsk Zoo is the third zoo in Europe in terms of wildlife reproduction in captivity. He was awarded the Honor Badge and Order of Friendship and in 1999 was recognized as the Man of the Year in Novosibirsk.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 23 May 2007 for his great contribution to the establishment of a unique zoo in Siberia.
Victor A. Tolokonsky
Born on 27.05.1953
From January 2000 to September 2010, he was the head of the Administration and Governor of the Novosibirsk Region. From 9 September 2010 he is the Authorized Representative of the President in the Siberian Federal District. He was awarded the Order of Friendship, the Fourth Degree Order for Merits before Fatherland, the First Degree Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh, and the First Degree Order of Peter the Great. He was the winner of the national premium as the Best Governor of Russia (2002), Svyatoslav Fedorov Award (2003) and All-Russian National Legacy Award (2006).
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 26 June 2008 for his great contribution to the social and economic development of Novosibirsk.
Ivan A. Romashko
Born on 29.10.1929
Leading singer of the Novosibirsk Musical Comedy Theatre and the People’s Artist of the Russian Soviet Republic
In 2010, he was the first Novosibirsk actor to receive the national Golden Mask Award in the For Honor and Dignity nomination.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 23 June 2010 for his great contribution to the development of musical theatre in Novosibirsk.
Albert A. Koshkin
Born on 29.02.1940
President of Sibmost Company
He took part in the construction of all the bridges, crossovers, collectors, bulkheads, passage bridges, and other engineering facilities built in Novosibirsk over nearly 50 years. These facilities include the first Siberian Dimitrovsky municipal welded bridge over the Ob River (completed in 1978) and metro bridge as part of the first stage of the Novosibirsk subway construction (which began operating in 1985).
He received the Honorary Citizen title on 23 June 2010 for his great contribution to the social and economic development of Novosibirsk.
Tikhon, Metropolitan of Novosibirsk and Berdsk
Born on 20.06.1948
Head of Novosibirsk Metropolia of the Russian Orthodox Church since December, 28, 2011. He graduated from the Moscow Ecclesiastical Academy in 1981, and holds the degree of candidate of theology. In 1990 he was elected the bishop of Novosibirsk and Barnaul, and appointed the head of Novosibirsk Bishopric of the Russian Orthodox Church. He was awarded the Order for the Merit to the Fatherland 2nd class, and a decoration for Merit to the Novosibirsk region.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on June, 26, 2013 for his active ecclesiastical education, missionary and charity work.
Leonid L. Sikoruk
Born on 23.07.1937
Head of Municipal Supplementary Education Institution of Novosibirsk Children’s and Youth Center Staraya Melnitsa (Old Windmill) since 1999. He is Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, chairman of Astronomic society of Novosibirsk. In 2006 he initiated the construction of the Large Novosibirsk Planetarium, and till 2011 acted as scientific advisor to the planetarium project. From 2010 till 2011 he coordinated designing, building and equipping of planetarium.
He has an honorary degree «Merited Master of Arts», was awarded Order for the Merit to the Fatherland 2nd class.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on June, 26, 2013 for his great contribution to the culture and children’s supplementary education development in Novosibirsk.
Dmitry A. Bakurov
Born on 07.02.1922
Hero of the Soviet Union. In 1942 he graduated from the Second Artillery School of Tomsk, fought in the Great Patriotic War. Participated in the Kursk battle, assault crossings of the Dnepr, Desna and Pripyat. He earned his title of a Hero of the Soviet Union for the assault crossing of the Dnepr river. After the war he served in Transcaucasia military district and West-Siberian military district.
He was awarded the Golden Star medal, the Order of Lenin, the Orders of the Patriotic War 1st class (1944, 1985), the Order of the Red Star.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on June, 26, 2013 for his active public activity and his great contribution to moral education and patriotic upbringing of the youth of Novosibirsk.
Leonid N. Ponomarenko
18.03.1919 — 01.02.2014
Hero of the Soviet Union. In 1939 he graduated from the School of Junior Airmen in Chita, in 1942 he finished learning courses for junior lieutenants. He fought in the Great Patriotic War. He defended Moscow and Stalingrad, participated in lifting the siege of Leningrad. In 1944 he was discharged due to serious wounds.
After the war he worked at the Elektrosignal Plant, «Glavvostoktechsnabneft» Union, the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. He was awarded the Golden Star medal, the Order of Lenin, the Orders of the Patriotic War 1st and 2nd class.
He received the Honorary Citizen title on June, 26, 2013 for his active public activity and his great contribution to moral education and patriotic upbringing of the youth of Novosibirsk.
Vladimir F. Gorodetsky
Born on 11.07.1948
Since 1996 Mr. Gorodetsky worked as the first deputy mayor of Novosibirsk, director of the department of economy, investment and industrial policy. In 2000, Vladimir Gorodetsky was elected the Mayor of Novosibirsk. In in 2004 he was re-elected for the second term. In March 2009 he was again elected the Mayor of Novosibirsk. Thus, he has been heading the largest municipality of the Russian Federation for three consecutive terms. For the dynamics of its development Novosibirsk was awarded in 2003 the main Russian National Award «Russian National Olympus» and the highest public title «City of Russia
Note
The first Honorary Citizen of Novonikolaevsk was elected in 1908. It was Baron Vladimir B. Fredericks (November 16, 1838 — July 5, 1927), an adjutant general and minister of the Emperor’s Court for ‘...his merits before the city involving buyout of land from the Emperors’ Cabinet Council.’ He later received the title of a Count.
However, on March 6, 1917, an extraordinary meeting of the City Duma resolved to deprive Count Fredericks, Minster of the Court, the first Honorary Citizen of Novonikolaevsk, of this honorary title.’ The cause behind the resolution was the Novonikolaevsk deputies resentment of Fredericks’ act, namely, that as a major part of his official capacity, at 15.05 on 2 March 1917 in Pskov, Fredericks attested to Nikolay II signing his abdication.