AUBG Wishes Good Luck to Class of 2020 in a Video Message
For the first time in AUBG’s history, the graduating students did not receive their diplomas live at a commencement ceremony. Instead, the university community – including Interim President David Evans, Acting Board Chair Victoria Entwistle, members of the AUBG Alumni Association and several AUBG professors – sent their best wishes over a video.
U.S. Ambassador Herro Mustafa, who was going to be keynote speaker at the Commencement had it not been for the COVID-19 outbreak, also sent a virtual message to the Class of 2020.
“While I wish we could all gather in person, I am still honored to join you virtually for one of the great milestones in life,” the ambassador said in her address. “Graduating from university is an accomplishment itself, but graduating under our current circumstances is even more impressive. Despite the challenges, you made it, and you did it all with poise and flexibility: skills that you will need for the rest of your life. When this crisis ends -- and it will end -- you will be better prepared than ever to go out into the world and make a difference.”
This year, AUBG awarded 212 diplomas, 185 of which to bachelor students and 27 to EMBA and EMFBRE students. The graduates come from 20 countries, including Vietnam, Italy, Spain, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States, the Seychelles and Tajikistan. Most B.A. graduates majored in Business Administration (38%), followed by Journalism and Mass Communication (15%), Economics (12%) and Political Science and International Relations (11%). The graduating students receive two diplomas - American and Bulgarian, and 55% of the bachelor students chose to pursue two majors.
“Your education at AUBG and the good work that you’ve put in during your time here has given you the tools of flexibility, teamwork, critical thinking, and imagination that should enable you to thrive even in this very difficult time,” Interim President Dr. David Evans said. “We look forward to learning of your future accomplishments and we look forward to keeping in touch with you. We are absolutely sure you are going to do a great job.”
Victoria Entwistle, Acting Chair to the AUBG Board of Trustees, also joined in congratulating the graduating seniors. “Dear class of 2020, (...) your graduation will be like no one else’s before,” she said. “Over the last four years, AUBG has taught you how to anticipate and react well to adversity. You may face setbacks as you steer through these tumultuous times but equally you will be more confident and stronger each time you overcome a problem and continue your life journey. Be assured that in order to be where you are today, you have resilience in abundance, whether you are aware of it or not. If there is anyone ready for this challenge ahead, it is you – class of 2020! Fear not the future, jump in and relish the ride.”
