19.05.2025
The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" celebrated its 35th anniversary with a grand ceremony held in the Aula of the University Rectorate. The event, themed "Always a Step Ahead – 35 Years of Leadership and Innovation" brought together dignitaries, alumni, partners, faculty members, and students.
The celebration was graced by Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Madlen Danova and Prof. Dr. Sonia Mileva, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, and Prof. Dr. George Chobanov, the first Dean after the Faculty’s restoration. Diplomats, alumni, partners, deans, faculty members, and students also joined the event.
The ceremony opened with a musical performance by Flawless Trio, with Assoc. Prof. Ivan Angelov as host.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, highlighted the Faculty's 35-year journey since its restoration on May 16, 1990. He noted that this milestone is not only about institutional revival but also a continuation of Bulgaria’s rich academic tradition in economic sciences, dating back to the late 19th century.
Assoc. Prof. Georgiev traced the Faculty's history, from its beginnings in 1892 with courses in political economy, financial science, and statistics within the Department of Law, to the establishment of the Department of Political Economy in 1902 (now the Department of Economics). He also recounted the launch of the State-Economic Department in 1938, which evolved into an independent faculty in 1947, only to be transformed in 1951 into the "Karl Marx" Higher Institute of Economics.
The Dean emphasized that the Faculty’s restoration in 1990 marked a new chapter of resilience and innovation. The first cohort of students was admitted in 1991, at a time of significant political and economic transformation in Bulgaria.
He expressed gratitude to the individuals who played key roles in the Faculty’s rebirth, including Acad. Prof. Dr. Nikola Popov, Prof. Dr. George Chobanov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Popov, and Prof. Dr. Teodor Sedlarski. He also recognized the contributions of faculty members from other university departments who supported the Faculty’s growth.
Assoc. Prof. Georgiev highlighted the Faculty’s strong international partnerships with universities in Germany, France, the USA, and beyond. These collaborations have enabled visiting professors to contribute to the Faculty’s educational programs.
Today, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration is recognized as a leader in Bulgaria with the highest national rating in economics and administration. It offers programs in Bulgarian, English, French, and German, with more than 1800 students and over 300 lecturers. It is also the first institution in Bulgaria to receive international AMBA accreditation and is part of global networks such as AACSB, EFMD, GBSN, UN Global Compact, and UN PRME.
"Our mission is to connect and build a community of leaders through experimentation and innovation in research and education, and our vision is to integrate with leading global research, educational, and business networks to achieve digital, environmental, and social transformation.
We believe that a teacher is not only an expert but also a moral compass. That a university is not merely an institution, but a cultural and civic environment. That education is a personal cause. This is why today many of the faculty members are alumni of the faculty, and those who are on the employer side support students’ career development, the modernization of the work environment, and donate personal funds for scholarships and volunteer initiatives — all of this is evidence of sustainability and continuity, as well as of following the example of philanthropy set by the brothers Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev”, said Assoc. Prof. Georgiev, adding that this spirit of giving has also been seen over the years from faculty members such as Acad. Nikola Popov and Professor George Chobanov through the creation of the FEB Foundation".
In his address, Assoc. Prof. Georgiev also reflected on his personal memories. He shared that 25 years ago, as a first-year student in the “Economics” program, he began his academic journey at Sofia University in the Aula Magna.
"Back then, I could not have imagined that one day I would have the honor and responsibility of leading the very faculty that shaped me as a person, as a teacher, and as a leader — including through the experience I gained in the student organization Business Club founded on May 15th, 28 years ago", said the Dean.
He also highlighted the Association of Alumni of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration — the first such organization at a public higher education institution in Bulgaria after the beginning of the democratic transition.
In conclusion, he emphasized that the past 35 years have been a period of development, consolidation, and international recognition for the shared academic and educational achievements of the faculty’s community. Assoc. Prof. Georgiev expressed, on behalf of his colleagues, gratitude to all who have contributed — and continue to contribute — to the leadership position and sustainable development of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
"Let us move forward — with confidence, vision, and moral strength. Let us be a bridge between generations. Let us preserve memory and build the future. Let us be part of the transformation of Bulgaria, Europe, and the world — through knowledge, through example, through the contribution of our growing community", said Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev in closing, as he congratulated the faculty on its celebration.
On behalf of the Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Madlen Danova delivered a congratulatory address. She emphasized that the Faculty has become a source of pride for the University, inspiring students to develop their knowledge and skills.
"Thank you to the entire academic community of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration for inspiring and motivating students. Your efforts leave a lasting impact on their lives, preparing them to contribute to society", she stated.
The Rector's message also highlighted the role of the Alumni Club—the first alumni association in a Bulgarian state university—and commended the Faculty for its career support, innovative initiatives, and strong academic community.
Prof. Madlen Danova emphasized that the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration is truly one of the most successful faculties at Sofia University. “Colleagues, you can be proud of what you have achieved, adding to all the other accomplishments mentioned, and from me — good luck and keep moving forward”, said the Vice-Rector in conclusion.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev noted that it was an honor for him to congratulate everyone in the Aula and pointed out that the history of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration is the clearest proof of the theory of rebirth. “If you live well your first life — there is a second, or if you lived well your second — it’s even more successful”. He stressed the importance of strong economic sciences for Bulgaria at present. According to him, the complex task follows now, despite Bulgaria’s achievements so far, and he emphasized that today the recipe for success includes even more complex economic policies, different from the familiar toolkit — quality of human capital, quality of education, information infrastructure, but above all, a little more boldness and confidence.
“Market economy, as a complex decentralized system, depends on the behavior of the agents, and if we are not able to collectively provoke such an impulse — that we want more, that we can do more — it won’t work. But above all, I believe there is a natural potential for us to be allies in overcoming the course of economic nihilism that has prevailed in Bulgaria over the last decades”, said Tomislav Donchev. In conclusion, he pointed out that good economists should not just be experts but must be leaders, to show the way and be able to lead others.
Mrs. Dilyana Slavova, advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, delivered a congratulatory address from the Head of State. In it, the President Rumen Radev notes that over the past 35 years, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration has established itself as a preferred center of knowledge and innovation, a hub for the development of analytical thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, preparing generations of highly qualified specialists and leaders with a vision for the future.
President Radev also says that with its teaching and research activities, modern programs, and the active participation of the academic staff in public life, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration rightfully holds a leading position on the map of Bulgarian higher education.
In his congratulatory address, Rumen Radev expresses his sincere gratitude to the faculty’s leadership, professors, and alumni for their vigorous efforts to uphold quality higher education, maintaining European standards in teaching, research activities, and knowledge transfer with practical application in the real sector.
The President wishes the entire academic community health and the successful achievement of their goals.
Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev also extended greetings to those present and specified that he is part of the celebration in his capacity as a lecturer in commercial law in English at the Faculty.
He noted that conducting scientific research in Bulgaria is, by definition, not one of the easiest pursuits. According to him, what matters today—and will matter in 35 years—are dedication, talent, diligence, and care for the students—qualities embodied by the faculty members of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. Minister Georgiev highlighted the new programs, the continuous development of the faculty, the Career Center, the Alumni organization, the connection with business, and cooperation with other academic institutions.
Minister Georgiev added that a few weeks ago he had the opportunity to participate in the presentation of one of the projects funded by the Scientific Research Fund regarding domestic violence and its economic effects. “I am very pleased that the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration is a partner in this project on such an important study, which we hope will become part of the foundation for legislative policies in a field where the economic impact has been studied, but in reality, it is primarily an impact on human rights”, Minister Georgiev said.
In his greeting, he also recalled that the friendship between the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration is not recent and thanked them for the opportunity to be part of this community. He once again congratulated the faculty on the occasion and wished them good luck.
On the occasion of the celebration, the team of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration received numerous congratulatory messages from their partners and colleagues. The event continued with a short video presenting the faculty.
During the event, two panel sessions were held. The first session, titled "Creating Success Together: Knowledge, Ideas, Innovation", featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Yalamov (Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation, and Projects), Prof. George Chobanov (the first Dean of the restored Faculty of Economics and Business Administration in 1990), Prof. Stanley Gyoeshev (University of Exeter, UK), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marcellin Yovogan, and Adriana Branicheva (Business Club Association).
The second session, under the title "Success is Shared: Global Connectivity and Leadership with a Cause" included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Angelov (Deputy Dean of MBA Programs and Business Training), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marina Stefanova (Deputy Dean for Sustainable Development), Dr. Daniel Parushev (President of the Alumni Association of Student Councils), Martin Stoilkov (BESCO - Bulgarian Entrepreneurship Association), Prof. Dr. Deyan Radev (Association of Graduates of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - FEBA Alumni Club), and Katya Vasileva (BNR).