05.12.2025
At a formal ceremony held in the Aula of the Rectorate, 276 master’s graduates received their diplomas, including 13 graduates from the master’s program “International Financial Management” (taught in English), offered in partnership with the University of Bordeaux, France. A total of 68 graduates completed their studies with honors, eight of whom achieved the highest distinction and were awarded badges.
The host of the ceremonial event was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Angelov. The ceremony was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, who welcomed everyone in the Aula on this day of gratitude, pride, and recognition. According to him, the graduates have gone through an intensive and transformative academic journey at a faculty that has rightfully established itself as a leading center for business education and economic research in the country and the region.
The Dean noted that since its restoration within Sofia University 35 years ago, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration has achieved significant development—it currently educates more than 1,800 students, over 50 doctoral candidates, publishes an increasing number of academic works, offers programs in four languages, enjoys international recognition and accreditation, participates in global networks of business schools, and has won numerous projects, but most importantly, has built a strong alumni community and many examples of mentorship and philanthropy.
“You, today’s graduates, are now part of this history and, more importantly, you will shape its future. Your education symbolically ends here, where it began—in this hall, in the heart of the university, in the Aula Magna. It symbolizes beginning and completion, continuity and development, tradition and innovation. Just as knowledge has no end, your journey of self-improvement is only beginning”, the Dean noted, expressing his sincere pride in their achievements and adding that today they are completing a process of personal and professional growth. Assoc. Prof. Georgiev encouraged them to continue developing, to be brave, curious, and self-critical, to seek knowledge and value, and not to forget their community—colleagues, lecturers, fellow students, and loved ones—because they are not alone in their success.
The Dean expressed his gratitude to all lecturers, staff members, and alumni partners of the faculty who have contributed to the successful education and development of the graduates in their master’s studies. “Give back. Give your time to share your experience with those who follow in your footsteps. Give knowledge and skills as mentors and lecturers. Give kindness for a better social environment, by supporting future generations”, said the Dean. He wished everyone to realize themselves in causes they believe in, to work with people they respect, to have the strength to bring about change and the courage to do so. “Be healthy, inspired, and forever connected to our community. Congratulations!” Assoc. Prof. Georgiev concluded.
The Vice-Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Sonya Mileva, pointed out that today is one of those special days when we both celebrate what has been achieved and look forward to the future. She noted that the graduates’ education at the university represents a period of effort, hard work, discipline, knowledge, and skills, which are their main capital for future professional development. She agreed with Assoc. Prof. Georgiev that throughout one’s education, no one is ever alone, emphasizing that lecturers and mentors, colleagues, friends, families, and the entire academic community of Sofia University have always stood by the graduates. Therefore, today is also a day of gratitude, and she invited the graduates to express their appreciation with applause.
“Education at Sofia University is a privilege, an honor, a responsibility, a tradition, and an authority”, Prof. Mileva emphasized, appealing to her youngest colleagues to preserve the connections they built during their studies, as these connections are also their gateway, inspiration, and opportunity for future development.
Prof. Mileva noted that today not only knowledge is needed, but also vision; not only skills, but also values. The dynamic and turbulent times pose many unanswered questions, to which their generation will seek and provide answers. “I am confident that the education you received at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Sofia University has prepared you to be leaders of change—brave, responsible, and above all ethical in your actions. You are now about to apply your acquired knowledge and skills in practice, to open new doors, set new goals, stand by your principles, and create something of value for our society. I wish you health, inspiration, and confidence”, said Prof. Mileva, declaring the Class of 2025 of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration officially graduated.
Greetings to the graduates were also delivered by Natanail Stefanov—entrepreneur, Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board of Sofia Tech Park, and alumnus of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration; Prof. Dr. Deyan Radev, Chair of the Association of Graduates of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marcellin Yovogan, Vice-Dean for International Affairs and University Cooperation at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
Greetings on behalf of the graduating class were delivered by Boryana Badzheva, a graduate of the master’s program “Big Data Modeling in Business and Finance”. She noted that one of the most valuable lessons they have learned is that true progress often happens quietly—in moments when no one is watching, when we try again or take just one more step forward. “We do not discover ourselves; we build ourselves through the values we choose, the challenges we accept, and the courage we show when the easiest answer is to say ‘No”, she emphasized.
She wished her colleagues, on their future paths, to carry with them the confidence they have earned—not only the confidence that comes from knowledge, but also that which comes from perseverance and determination—to develop consciously and move forward with the strength that has brought them this far.
Greetings were also delivered by Milen Hamparov, a graduate of the master’s program “International Financial Management”(taught in English). He began his speech with sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the achievement of their success and goals. He spoke about the advantages of his master’s program, the support and assistance of the lecturers, the valuable lifelong friendships formed, and the excellent professional training provided. Milen Hamparov also thanked parents for their support, guidance, confidence, and belief that their children could succeed despite difficulties. He wished his colleagues many successes, encouraging them to remain determined and to remember where they started and where they want to go.
The celebration concluded with the awarding of diplomas.