The Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at SU “St. Kliment Ohridski” celebrated 50 years since its establishment with an academic celebration. It is jointly organized by the leadership of the FJMK and the Union of Bulgarian Journalists.
“It is a great honour and pleasure for me as a graduate of FJMK, as a teacher and dean to welcome you to the celebration of our anniversary. The journalism faculty has shown the way to many specialists who not only connected their professional history with the faculty, but also experienced the moments from her,” said the dean of the Faculty of Journalism prof. Veselina Valkanova.
“Today’s event is a sign of respect to the pioneers of Bulgarian journalism, as well as to our teachers, who not only taught us how to present the truth, but also to know the truth,” said Prof. Vulkanova.
“We believe in the abilities of young people and we are proud of our history, in which the names of the greatest specialists in the history of Bulgarian journalism are recorded. Our teachers are journalists with character, arguing with authorities, but capable of protecting the first innocent steps of the new , of young people in this profession,” she added.
The dean pointed to the creation of the “Alumni” club as one of the important steps of FJMK towards uniting the community.
“Influential and well-known persons are members of the club, who have reunited here with nostalgia from their student years, with a desire to continue the relationship with the professional, but also friendly environment,” she said.
“It is an honour for us to pay a well-deserved tribute to the creator of the ”Journalism” specialty and the Faculty of Journalism, Prof. Stefan Stanchev, and to Prof. Todor Petev, creator of the “Public Relations” specialty and the ”Communication and Public Relations” department. . We wish all current and future professionals many new professional successes, cheerfulness, strength.” This was said by the chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists Snezhana Todorova.
A special part of the program of the celebration was the celebration of the birth anniversaries of the deans prof. Stefan Stanchev and Prof. Todor Petev.
“We pay tribute to two of our professors who, unfortunately, are no longer with us, but their names are in the history of the faculty, in the annals of Bulgarian journalism and communication. They have left a bright mark in the minds of their students, today they are outstanding specialists,” he said the dean prof. Vulkanova.
“Prof. Stefan B. Stanchev and Prof. Todor Petev mark with their activity and creativity the most important qualitative changes in the history of the faculty,” said Prof. Minka Zlateva, who shared her memories on the occasion of the anniversaries of the births of the two deans of FZHMK.
Special guests were the sons of the two deans, Prof. Krasimir Stanchev and Dr. Todor Petev, who also spoke with great love about the contribution of their fathers.
Two films prepared by 2nd year students majoring in “Television Journalism” were also presented, which were dedicated to the lives of the two deans.
The faculty also celebrates 180 years since the beginning of Bulgarian journalism with a report by Prof. Zdravka Konstantinova.
The prizes from the student essay contest on the topic “To please no one, to spite no one”, which were provided by the Union of Bulgarian Journalists, were also presented.
Let’s make sure we don’t let Joseph Herbst’s “For Nobody’s Pleasure” testament be bypassed by today’s journalism. Principles should not live only as slogans. Be persuasive when you write and be confident when you speak,” stated Prof. Valkanova.
The “Bulgarian Society for Public Relations” presented the prizes from the essay contest on the topic “Gen Z saves the city”. They also awarded the dean prof. Valkanova with a special plaque for merits in the development of the faculty.
Most journalists who work at “24 Chasa” today are graduates of the Faculty of Journalism. Some of them are also members of the “Alumni” club.
What are the key milestones in the history of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at SU “St. Kliment Ohridski”?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Journalism Expert
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to our special edition of Time.news! Today, we have the honor of speaking with Professor Veselina Valkanova, the dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at SU “St. Kliment Ohridski.” They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in Bulgarian journalism education. Thank you for joining us, Professor!
Professor Valkanova: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this significant moment in our faculty’s history.
Editor: First of all, congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Can you tell us what this anniversary celebration meant to you and what it represents for the Faculty?
Professor Valkanova: Thank you! The celebration was not just a commemoration of our 50 years; it was an homage to the pioneers of Bulgarian journalism and all the educators who have shaped the profession. As a graduate, teacher, and now the dean, I feel deeply connected to our faculty’s legacy, and I am proud of how we’ve paved the way for many specialists in this field.
Editor: That’s truly inspiring! You mentioned the importance of honoring past educators. Could you elaborate on the contributions of the faculty’s founders, particularly Prof. Stefan Stanchev and Prof. Todor Petev?
Professor Valkanova: Absolutely. Prof. Stanchev was the creator of the “Journalism” specialty, and Prof. Petev was instrumental in establishing the “Public Relations” program. They both brought qualitative changes to our faculty and left indelible marks on our students’ lives. Their legacies continue to inspire current and future generations of journalists.
Editor: It sounds like their influence is still felt today. You also mentioned the creation of an “Alumni” club during the celebration. What role does the alumni community play in the faculty’s ongoing journey?
Professor Valkanova: The “Alumni” club is vital for uniting our community. It allows influential and well-known individuals in the field to reconnect, share experiences, and guide our current students. We’ve seen alumni return with nostalgia for their student years, eager to contribute to the growth of our new professionals. It’s about creating a continuous dialog within the journalism community.
Editor: That sense of community is so important, especially in a field as dynamic as journalism. Can you tell us about any special moments from the anniversary celebration that stood out to you?
Professor Valkanova: One highlight was the tribute to Prof. Stanchev and Prof. Petev, particularly as we celebrated their birthdays. Their sons also shared touching memories, emphasizing the profound impact their fathers had on the faculty and the field of journalism. It was a heartfelt reminder of how the legacy of educators continues through their students.
Editor: It sounds like a deeply emotional event. Looking forward, what are your hopes for the future of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication?
Professor Valkanova: I believe in the potential of our students. Our aim is to continue fostering an environment that nurtures their talents while upholding the values of truth and integrity in journalism. As we move forward, we want to adapt to the changing media landscape, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Editor: Thank you, Professor Valkanova, for your insights and dedication to nurturing future generations of journalists. It’s clear that the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication has a rich history and an exciting future ahead!
Professor Valkanova: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing our journey. We are committed to enhancing the field of journalism in Bulgaria and beyond.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us. Stay tuned for more stories and insights from the world of journalism!