Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" opened its doors for the 62nd academic year, 2025/2026, in a festive atmosphere.
The event began with a traditional blessing of the waters, accompanied by applause and well wishes for health and a successful academic year.
Priest Dimo Valchev from the "St. John of Rila" church in Burgas, who performed the blessing of the waters, called for reciprocity and patience in teaching, quoting the Holy Gospel: "Bear one another"s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ".
Beginning of the Academic Year
Following the blessing, Rector Prof. Dr. Sotir Sotirov, for the first time in this role, addressed the students and faculty.
In his welcome address, Prof. Sotirov emphasized the significance of this day as a celebration, marking the resumption of the university"s key mission – the education of young generations.
He pointed out that the university develops education in 18 professional fields, covering a wide range of areas of human knowledge.
The Rector proudly recalled that last year the university received the status of a research university – one of only 12 in Bulgaria, providing students with a unique opportunity to access modern laboratories and develop scientific interests.
Particular attention was paid to the nearly 700 bachelors and 160 professional bachelors – the freshmen, who were crossing the university threshold for the first time.
The Rector extended a warm welcome to them, expressing confidence that their time at the university would be memorable and fulfilling, filled with new knowledge and the achievement of dreams.
The Regional Governor Vladimir Krumov and the Member of Parliament Andrey Runchev also offered their congratulations, emphasizing the importance of the university to the region and the country.
Mr. Krumov focused on the excellent material base and highly qualified teaching staff, while Mr. Runchev urged students to study diligently and achieve successful careers.
The head of the Regional Educational Directorate, Valentina Kamalieva, defined the university as a rapidly developing community, successfully combining traditions with the challenges of the modern world.
She wished the students that their path of knowledge be filled with innovations and discoveries.
Congratulations were also received from the managements of other higher education institutions in Burgas, with Prof. Milen Baltov from Burgas Free University expressing confidence in the successful leadership of Prof. Sotirov and the affirmation of the university as a leading educational and scientific center.
Desislava Komunova, chair of the Student Council, dressed in a guardsman"s uniform, used this symbol to outline the values of discipline, knowledge, and integrity necessary for success in the academic environment.
"The guardsman is a guardian of honor, an example of discipline, the embodiment of loyalty to values and principles. Let discipline be your compass, knowledge your weapon, and integrity your shield"
she said.
The celebration concluded with the reading of congratulatory addresses from numerous universities in the country and a musical greeting from the "Mladost" Student Choir.
The sounds of the university"s anthem accompanied the laying of a wreath at the monument to the university_q_s patron, Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov, officially marking the beginning of the new academic year.