They establish a club of ambassadors, friends of the Alma Mater
Renovation of the Rectory of the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. This was announced by the rector, Prof. Georgi Valchev after the academic celebration for the patron saint of Alma Mater.
“Our great pain is to restore the dignity of the central building, renewing it completely. And it was built in the most difficult post-war years as a symbol of the Bulgarians’ hope that after the collapse of the First National Catastrophe, Bulgaria will rise and catch up with the modern world,” said the rector.
In all conversations with leaders of political forces and with the Minister of Finance, he received assurances that the phased financing of the renovation will begin next year.
This year, thanks to the Ministry of Education and Science, the university received additional money for capital expenditures, with which they are completing the repair of the observatory in the Boris garden, and the complete improvement of the “Lozenets” campus is also underway. We have started designing the repair of the university’s roof, which is the most difficult procedure, explained Prof. Valchev.
To the guests of the celebration, the rector announced the creation of a Club of Bulgarian ambassadors, friends of Sofia University. It will include our diplomats abroad and foreign ambassadors in Sofia. The association is an unofficial and informal circle of friends and like-minded people who graduated from Sofia University, teach there or are connected to the cause of raising the image of the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria, which trains future diplomats.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Professor Georgi Valchev, Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Professor Valchev! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Following the recent announcement about the renovation of Sofia University’s Rectory, can you share what prompted this significant initiative?
Prof. Georgi Valchev: Thank you for having me! The decision to renovate the Rectory stems from our deep desire to restore the dignity and historical significance of this central building, which represents Sofia University. It was constructed during the challenging post-war years, and over the decades, it has become a symbol of resilience for our academic community.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring to hear. You mentioned the emotional connection to the building. Can you elaborate on the importance of the Rectory to both the university and the wider community?
Prof. Georgi Valchev: Absolutely. The Rectory is not just an administrative hub; it is the heart of our university. It is where students, faculty, and alumni gather to celebrate our achievements and create lasting memories. This renovation is not only about physical restoration but also about revitalizing the spirit of community and academic excellence.
Time.news Editor: Alongside the renovation, you announced the establishment of a club of ambassadors, the “Friends of the Alma Mater.” What role will this club play in the future of the university?
Prof. Georgi Valchev: The club of ambassadors is designed to foster a strong network of alumni and supporters who share a passion for Sofia University. By engaging with these individuals, we aim to create a sustainable base of support for various initiatives, including the renovation project. This club will also serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and resources to benefit our institution.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a great initiative! How do you envision the involvement of alumni and supporters in this renovation project?
Prof. Georgi Valchev: We hope to inspire our alumni and supporters to actively participate through fundraising, volunteering, or simply sharing their positive experiences connected to the university. Their engagement is crucial, as it creates a sense of ownership and pride in our collective legacy.
Time.news Editor: That’s a wonderful approach. Maintaining a connection with the university community is essential. As the Rector, what are some of the challenges you anticipate in the renovation process?
Prof. Georgi Valchev: One of the primary challenges will be balancing the preservation of the building’s historical elements with the need for modern amenities and functionality. Additionally, securing funding while ensuring transparency in how donations and resources are utilized will be essential for maintaining trust in the project.
Time.news Editor: Transparency is key indeed. What message would you like to convey to current students and faculty regarding this renovation and the future of Sofia University?
Prof. Georgi Valchev: I encourage everyone to embrace this transition with an open heart and mind. This renovation is not just a change in our physical surroundings; it represents our commitment to fostering a vibrant academic environment. Together, we can create a space that honors our past while embracing the future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Professor Valchev, for sharing your vision and the exciting plans for Sofia University. We look forward to seeing the progress of the renovation and the positive impact it will have on the community.
Prof. Georgi Valchev: Thank you for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with everyone involved to make this vision a reality!