BSU Celebrated its 35th Academic Year with a Ceremony

A ceremony in the atrium of Burgas Free University (BFU) marked the beginning of the 35th academic year of the higher education institution. Under the sounds of the academic hymn, in an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, the event brought together representatives of the Board of Trustees, lecturers, students, public figures, and partners of the university.

Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Maria Aleksieva opened the ceremony with a welcome speech, addressed primarily to the freshmen, whom she called "the most important guests of the day". Passing through the ranks, one could see in the eyes of the newly admitted students a mixture of trepidation and enthusiasm. Prof. Aleksieva wished the students to start this new chapter of their lives with hope, smiles and faith, and together to seek new knowledge and horizons. She emphasized that while the beginning of the academic year is a tradition for the lecturers, for the newly admitted students it is "an exciting and promising beginning".

In the solemn atmosphere, the members of the Board of Trustees and the management of the university were presented. Among them were the President Prof. Dr. Petko Chobanov and the Rector Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov, as well as the deans of the four centers of science and the administrative leaders. In addition, on the occasion of the opening of the academic year, congratulatory addresses were sent to the university from the regional governor of Burgas Vladimir Krumov, from the chairman of the Council of Rectors Prof. Dr. Miglena Temelkova, as well as from the Rector of Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov". The management of "Lukoil Neftohim Burgas" also sent their greetings on this occasion.

The Deputy Mayor for Education, Healthcare, Social Activities and Youth Policies in Burgas Municipality, Mihail Nenov, addressed the academic community on behalf of Mayor Dimitar Nikolov. Nenov characterized Burgas Free University as "a center of knowledge and development, of which Burgas is proud". He emphasized that the municipality supports the efforts of the higher education institution to build a strong academic community, noting that the number of freshmen and scholarship holders under the program "Successful Students" is increasing every year. "Our goal is for Burgas Free University to create not only successfully realized specialists, but also entrepreneurs and innovators who, with their ideas, will support the development of the municipality and make our lives better", said Nenov. He wished the students "to be healthy, to get a little better every day and to have a successful academic year".

The Rector of BFU Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov greeted the students and lecturers with a wish for a healthy and inspiring year. In his speech, he noted that the university is entering its 35th year since its establishment. According to the rector, "his maturity gives him the confidence and responsibility to be among the factors for regional development and to contribute to national and international topics".

Prof. Baltov reminded those present that during this academic year, BFU is starting, together with 12 other universities from the European Union, an exchange in its capacity as a European University of island, port and coastal territories. He added that under the Erasmus+ program, students will have the opportunity to study for one semester abroad, and others will realize themselves even before graduation through student internships and apprenticeships with the business partners of the university.

In his speech, the rector emphasized the three main principles that he believes define the spirit of Burgas Free University: light, freedom and connectivity. "Light, because here you will gain knowledge; freedom, because you will open your spirit and live in a sharing environment; and connectivity, because you will build contacts that will bring you experience and inspiration", said Prof. Baltov. He urged the students to be responsible to the people who support them – their families, lecturers and friends.

The ceremony concluded with wishes from the university management for a successful, peaceful and inspiring academic year, leaving those present with optimism for the upcoming challenges and achievements.