Ceremonial Diploma Awarding at BFU
On 5 December 2025, the official graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 of Burgas Free University took place.
The President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Rumen Radev, congratulated the graduates of Class 2025: “...Since its establishment, your university has affirmed its authority, built one of the most modern educational facilities in the country, and succeeded in developing its own academic model based on innovative approaches. Today, BSU provides educational training in a wide range of specialties, and its academic staff produces significant research output...” the congratulatory address stated.
More than 350 graduates from 13 bachelor’s programmes and 26 master’s programmes received their higher education diplomas. Thirty distinguished graduates were awarded certificates of excellence for their achievements and contribution to the academic community.
“In today’s festive moment, you, dear graduates, look back on your student years at the university — your experiences, doubts, and successes. Here with you are your relatives, friends, and children, who shared these years of study with you. I am certain that you thank them for their support and understanding. We thank them as well! We also thank the hundreds of employers with whom you began your academic journey or with whom you completed part of your training,” said Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov, Rector of BSU, in his address to the Class of 2025.
Earlier in his speech, Prof. Baltov said: “175 years ago, not far from Sliven — in the village of Medven — was born the author and lyrical voice of the texts of the Bulgarian bourgeois revolution and national uprisings, Djendo (Zahari) Stoyanov. He is not known for grand phrases or pathos, nor for formal education, but for his boundless thirst for knowledge, great diligence, and the hardships he endured in service of the nation. Beyond the heroic scenes, he is an exceptional storyteller of labour relations and values in our society. A telling scene describes young Djendo returning from his first year as a shepherd, entering the coffeehouse in Medven after his father had paid his annual dues, wanting to order a coffee like an adult. The coffeehouse owner served him lokum instead, explaining: ‘Your father said you are not yet financieren.’ A reflection of the anti-consumerist values and frugality in our society, but also a reminder that if one does not wish to live off ready-made means (in today’s reality — budget funds), the only right, though difficult, path — the one chosen by Djendo, who later took the name Zahari — is to rely on knowledge (he self-educated) and on the choice of even greater diligence and entrepreneurship. Zahari Stoyanov is also at the foundation of the Unification, which marked its 140th anniversary — an event that gave the impulse and investment for Burgas to become an important port, shaping its business and demographic growth.”
On behalf of the graduates, a speech was delivered by Alya Kazandzhieva, master’s graduate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Primary and Preschool Education: “Each of us entered the university filled with dreams and ambition. Today we leave as individuals shaped by effort, discipline, inspiration, and continuous learning. The path was challenging, but these very challenges shaped us — along with the support, guidance, and dedication of our lecturers, who stood by us every step of the way,” she said.
Certificates for the educational and scientific degree “Doctor” were awarded in 2025 to: – Kamelia Staneva – Pedagogical and Developmental Psychology – Radoslav Simionov – Engineering and Electronization in Electrical Equipment
The ceremony was attended by members of the BSU Board of Trustees: Prof. Dr. Vasil Yankov, Honorary Rector of BSU; Prof. Dr. Sc. Galya Hristozova, Rector of BSU (2014–2022); Prof. Dr. Dimitar Yudov; Prof. Dr. Evelina Dineva; Dimitar Sabkov; Yanko Yankov.
Guests of the ceremony included: Vladimir Krumov – Regional Governor of Burgas Region; Mikhail Hadzhiyanev – Chair of Burgas Municipal Council; Mikhail Nenov – Deputy Mayor of Burgas Municipality; Dmitry Zakharchenko – Executive Director of Promet Steel AD; Prof. Dr. Sotir Sotirov – Rector of Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov”; Angel Malinov – Director of the Vocational School of Economics and Management, Pazardzhik.
Among the guests were also international students from Spain, Poland, and Slovakia.
Congratulations to the graduates were delivered by Regional Governor Vladimir Krumov, Deputy Mayor Mikhail Nenov on behalf of Mayor Dimitar Nikolov, and Prof. Dr. Sotir Sotirov, Rector of Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov”. A congratulatory address was also received from Petar Kanev, Member of Parliament for the Burgas constituency and Chair of the Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation in the National Assembly.
