During the session of the Academic Council of S. Toraighyrov PSU held on February 26, 2014, the administration and leading scientists of the University congratulated Mariya Serafimovna Terenik, a well-known local historian of Pavlodar region, honorary member of the Kazakh Society for Protection of Monuments of History and Culture, and honorary citizen of the city of Pavlodar.

This year, Mariya Terenik celebrates her 85th birthday. PSU members expressed their best wishes to this talented teacher, scientist and ethnographer.

Rector of S. Toraighyrov PSU, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Serik Omirbayev congratulated Mariya Terenik in his opening speech. 'A human life is judged not by the number of years a person lives, but by the deeds he or she does. You have always been a perfect example of faithful service to our region and commitment to the ideals of development and prosperity of our Republic', said Serik Omirbayev.

M.S. Terenik began her career at S. Toraighyrov PSU (formerly known as Pavlodar Industrial Institute) after graduation form the full-time postgraduate school of KazPI named after Abay in 1965 and successful defense of her Candidate's dissertation on March 11, 1966.

She worked as a senior lecturer, associate professor, and head of the Department of the CPSU History.

M.S. Terenik carried out a lot of public work: she was the head of the Faculty of Lecturing Skills, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Social Sciences Departments, member of the trade union committee, party bureau of the Institute and Faculty of Civil Engineering.

Mariya Terenik combines the best qualities of a scientist, teacher, and prominent public figure. Over the time of her career at PSU, she has published 34 books and brochures on the history of Pavlodar (including 11 in co-authorship), 500 articles on various subjects, and delivered 2811 lectures at the Knowledge society.