27.05.2025
In a solemn ceremony held in the Aula of the University Rectorate, 125 master’s graduates from the Class of 2024 of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) received their diplomas. Forty-nine of them graduated with honors, and three were awarded gold badges as top achievers.
The event was hosted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Angelov and was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev. He welcomed everyone to the Aula Magna of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” on the eve of Bulgaria’s most cherished holiday – May 24, the Day of the alphabet, education, and culture.
“Today is a day of recognition, pride, and gratitude. Dear graduates, you have gone through an intensive and transformative academic journey – at the most prestigious university in Bulgaria and in a faculty that has justly established itself as a leading center for business education and economic research in the country and the region”, said Assoc. Prof. Georgiev. He reminded the audience that just a week ago, on May 16, 2025, the 35th anniversary of the reestablishment of the Faculty within Sofia University was celebrated — following a decision by the Academic Council initiated by then-Rector and economist, Acad. Prof. Dr. Nikola Popov.
“This was not just an anniversary, but a confirmation that today we carry the responsibility to develop a tradition that dates back to 1892 with the first economics courses at the University”, added the Dean. He emphasized the remarkable progress the Faculty has made over the past 35 years — now with more than 1800 students, growing academic output, programs in four languages, international recognition and accreditations, global partnerships, successful projects, and a strong alumni community that fosters mentoring and giving.
“You — today’s graduates — are now part of this history. More importantly, you will be the ones to shape its future”, continued Assoc. Prof. Georgiev. Addressing the youngest members of the Faculty’s academic community, he pointed out that their education symbolically concludes where it began — in the Aula Magna, at the heart of the University. This hall, he said, symbolizes beginnings and endings, continuity and progress, tradition and innovation. Just as knowledge has no end, he noted, their path of self-development is only beginning.
“Let me express my sincere pride in your achievement. You are not just completing a degree – you are completing a process of personal and professional growth. Together with us at the Faculty, you went through an intense period where you balanced ambition, personal and professional responsibilities, and a thirst for knowledge – and have rightfully reached today’s milestone”, said the Dean, adding that the diploma is just the beginning.
He shared three key messages with the graduates.
First, continue growing: “Be curious, brave, and self-reflective. Don't settle for ready-made answers. Seek knowledge, but also values. Seek meaning, and impact”, he urged.
Second, cherish the community: “Look around – your classmates, professors, and loved ones are all part of your journey. You are not alone in this success. Each of them has contributed in some way”. He extended heartfelt thanks to the Faculty’s staff, alumni, and partners who helped support the graduates’ success.
Third, give back – with time, to mentor future students; with knowledge and skills, as mentors and teachers; and with kindness, to improve the world for the next generations. “This is the legacy of our first benefactors – the entrepreneurs Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev – and of all who followed their example”, said Assoc. Prof. Georgiev.
He emphasized that graduates are now ambassadors of the Faculty and of Sofia University. “Carry with you the values we have strived to instill: responsibility, integrity, the pursuit of excellence, respect, and collaboration. I wish you success in the causes you believe in, with people you respect. Have the strength to evolve – and the courage to change the world around you”, he concluded, wishing them wisdom, character, and human connection on their journey forward.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Parvan Parvanov, Vice-Rector of Sofia University, also congratulated the graduates on behalf of himself and the University Rector, Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev. He highlighted the rapid rise in reputation of the Faculty and its graduates over the past 35 years and its leading place in Bulgaria’s university ranking system.
“The day you receive your diploma is a threshold — between the time of learning and the time of your full professional realization”, he said, encouraging graduates to pursue doctoral studies at the Faculty.
He expressed hope that the time spent at the Faculty left a lasting mark on their memories and experience. He urged them to preserve the friendships built with classmates and noted that employers highly value graduates of the Faculty. “I guarantee that wherever you go, your diploma will open doors. You will be among the chosen professionals”, he said. He reminded them that many generations before them had built the Faculty’s reputation, and it is now their duty to build on that legacy. “Be healthy, carry the University’s spirit wherever you go, and may you always have a favorable wind in the sails of your dreams”, concluded Assoc. Prof. Parvanov as he officially declared the 2024 Class of the Faculty’s Master’s programs graduated.
Elena Marinova, co-founder of Musala Soft and proud alumna of the Faculty, shared her professional journey. She encouraged graduates to be bold and fearless, to aim high, and to embrace failure as part of success. “Along the way your wings may be scorched — you’ll fall, you’ll make mistakes. Know that you can rise. Success is the true inspiration — the elixir that regenerates even burnt and broken wings”, she said, wishing the graduates success on whatever path they choose.
Velislava Zaduryan, Director of “People and Culture” at UniCredit Bulbank and also an alumna, recalled the moment she once sat in the very same hall waiting for her diploma. She shared life lessons gained over the years — about lifelong learning, taking action without waiting for the “perfect moment” and persisting despite obstacles. “One day, when you look back, you’ll see not only how far you’ve come, but how many lessons you’ve learned,” she said.
Adriana Branicheva, Vice President of the Faculty’s Alumni Association, also congratulated the graduates. She emphasized the strength and unity of the alumni community: “Our Faculty isn’t just a place of study — it’s a place of shared values, of leadership, of people driven by the will to be part of meaningful change”. She urged graduates to stay connected with the Alumni Club as a source of lifelong support.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Maria Tsolova, alumna of the “Applied Econometrics and Economic Modeling” Master’s program (taught in English), expressed gratitude to the Faculty and professors for equipping her not only with knowledge, but also with tools for a successful career. She thanked everyone who had supported her journey — professors, peers, and family — and encouraged her fellow graduates to be proud of their achievements and to boldly move forward.
The celebration concluded with the awarding of diplomas.
The Dean’s Office expressed gratitude to students Viktor Vladkov, Yoana Kostova, and Antonia Bankova for their assistance during the ceremony.
