02.10.2025
On October 1st, in Aula Magna of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the solemn opening of the new academic year for the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) took place. The event was dedicated to the newly admitted first-year students in the bachelor’s programs and brought together representatives of the entire academic community, professors, students, and partners of the faculty.
The official ceremony was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, who welcomed the new students. He encouraged them to be active, to take part in various initiatives and projects, and to rediscover themselves in their new role – as part of the FEBA community.
“Dear first-year students, you are now part of a united and productive community – of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and of Sofia University. At FEBA, our mission is to connect and build a community of leaders through pioneering and innovation in research and education.
This year is special for us, because 35 years ago, after a decision of the Academic Council, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration was reinstated within Sofia University as a continuation of a long-standing tradition. In this jubilee year, the faculty is launching a new bachelor’s program International Trade and Investment, taught entirely in English”, shared Assoc. Prof. Georgiev in his welcoming speech.
He expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, to the business sector actively involved in the faculty’s programs, as well as to institutions such as the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bilateral chambers of commerce of the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, and others, employers’ organizations, international and national companies.
The official ceremony was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Angelov, Vice-Dean “MBA Programs and Executive Education”.
Prof. Sonya Mileva-Bozhanova, Vice-Rector “Career Development, Alumni, Employer and Business Relations” also addressed the students and lecturers of the faculty with a welcoming speech.
From the business sector, Paolina Bocheva, General Manager of the SME Banking Directorate at United Bulgarian Bank, took part, along with two alumni of the faculty who shared their personal experiences from their student years and gave valuable advice to the newly admitted students.
Greetings were also delivered by Natanail Stefanov – entrepreneur, Deputy Chairman of the Board of “Sofia Tech Park”, alumnus of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, and by Lyuben Panov – Program Director at the “America for Bulgaria Foundation”, the first Director of the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, also an alumnus of the faculty.
Adriana Branicheva, Chair of the Business Club at the Faculty and Vice-Chair of the Alumni Club, welcomed the students with an invitation to join both organizations, presenting the benefits that such participation would bring them and the opportunities to be active contributors to the life of the faculty.
The festive day continued with greetings from Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Venelina Tsvetkova, Department of Sports, under whose guidance the faculty continues to affirm itself as a leading educational institution with many sporting achievements in various disciplines.
In a congratulatory address the Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov wished the students to follow their dreams and the path of knowledge, emphasizing the authoritative role of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in preparing competent specialists for the Bulgarian economy.
The celebrations continued at the faculty building, where first-year students received their student books and met their professors.
The day concluded with a cocktail, sponsored by the Alumni Club, the MBA programs of the faculty, and the Business Club. The entertainment was provided by the band Georgia's Multilingual Project.
The team of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration wishes everyone a successful new academic year!