2024-04-30 19:34:01
Maria Alexandrova, a Bulgarian advocate for UNICEF, is a recipient of the American University’s Presidential Medal – the university’s highest honor.
At the 30th annual Outstanding Students Awards Ceremony, AUBG recognized its top students. The ceremony, known as the Honors Convocation, was held in the Dr. Carl Djerassi Theater where more than 60 students were honored for their academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as 7 faculty members for their contributions to education.
Honors Convocation’s highest recognition is the President’s Medal. This year it was awarded to Maria Alexandrova, a Bulgarian advocate for inclusive education, who is about to graduate with two majors – “Political Science and International Relations” and “Journalism and Mass Communications” as well as two sub-specialties “European Studies” and “Psychology”. .
“I have no words to describe what this extraordinary honor means to me,” said Maria. “I am beyond proud to represent not only myself, but also the amazing Class of 2024. All that is left to say is thank you! To my mother, Zornitsa Bosilkova, without whom I would not have graduated. To the President of AUBG, Dr. Margie Ensign, for this recognition. To my amazing professors – there are too many to name and this would not have happened without their support and guidance. To the employees of AUBG – we are nothing without you! Last but not least, thank you to UNICEF Bulgaria and the wonderful team for their unwavering support from day one!”
Beyond academia, Maria is a passionate advocate for social change. She served on the Youth Sounding Board established by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, and continues to make significant contributions as an advocate for UNICEF Bulgaria for inclusive education. Her work as a social media consultant for U-Report Bulgaria and her advocacy efforts have won recognition both locally and internationally. As the first physically disabled person in Bulgaria to pass the Cambridge English language exam, she paved the way for others and championed accessible education.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution, Maria received a full scholarship to AUBG, generously provided by the family of the late Dr. Prof. Lachezar Tsotsorkov.
The graduates of the master’s program for executives (EMBA) at AUBG are Iliyan Stoyanov, “European integration” expert at Tonus 21, and Svilena Valcheva, head of the “Responsible gaming, regulations and legal relations” department at Entain.
At the Honors Convocation ceremony at AUBG, dozens of students were awarded for high academic achievements in various fields: information systems, computer science and software engineering, mathematics and natural sciences, economics, business administration, political science and international relations, European studies, journalism and mass communications, literature, psychology, modern languages, film and music.
The university also presented awards to the most outstanding teachers who support students in their pursuit of excellence and in preparing for their career development. Among them, Prof. Evelina Kelbecheva, Prof. Orlin Stoychev and Prof. Alexander Ganchev were awarded the title of professor emeritus (posthumously).
“Student success is the raison d’être of our university,” shared Dr. JD Minninger, AUBG’s first vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The hard work and achievements of students reflect AUBG’s commitment to attracts, shapes and educates thoughtful citizens and exceptional people. We, the faculty and staff, are dedicated to creating opportunities that support student success. To the students recognized here tonight, I extend my congratulations ! And to all our students I say: we applaud your achievements and look forward to your bright future,” he added.
During the event, AUBG also presented awards for remarkable achievements outside the sphere of academic fields in the past year – civic engagement, leadership, art and sports. The ceremony ended with the students’ anthem Gaudeamus igitur, performed by those present together with the university choir.