The article deals with methodic aspects of development of students` creative abilities in humanity courses in technical universities. The complementary studies promoting creative self-realization of student’s person in art and culture spheres are presented.

The article is focused on the experience of the teaching staff of St. Petersburg State Mining Institute (Technical University) in the training process aimed at students’ tolerance attitude development. It is achieved by introducing into the Culture Studies course the information on life and work of the outstanding alumni of the Institute.

The article tells about the pupil of the Mining Cadet Corps, a figure of the Russian Orthodox Church, an outstanding writer and teacher, Archbishop Leonid (Krasnopevkov) of Yaroslavl and Rostov (1817-1876). Due to the education of high morality received in the corps, as well as his bright personality, he chose for himself the path of monastic service. But he preserved and developed in his life that creative beginning, the foundation of which was laid by the Mining Corps and which he used in his creative service for the good of mankind.

The article is devoted to the talented literary scholar, linguist and teacher Ardalion Vasilievich Ivanov (1805 - after 1875), a pupil and teacher of the Mining Institute. He made a significant contribution to the development of the concept of teaching Russian grammar. Thanks to its high methodological qualities, A.V.Ivanov's grammar experience served for more than half a century as the main aid in teaching Russian grammar and native speech.