For the seventh consecutive year, the AUBG community came together—not just to celebrate generosity, but to honor the belief that education has the power to transform lives. At the annual Donor Recognition Evening in Sofia, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered in a room filled with optimism, gratitude, and a shared sense of purpose.
A warm welcome
The evening opened with a message from someone who knows AUBG from the inside out—Svetozar Georgiev (’00), Chair of the Board Development Committee and member of the AUBG Board of Trustees. In his powerful remarks, Georgiev acknowledged the uncertainty of today’s world and emphasized just how vital AUBG’s mission is in moments like these.
“Thankfully, we’re not alone in this mission. In fact, we are a pretty mighty force,” said Georgiev. “I’d like to say one big thank you for your support, because it is a reflection of your generosity and belief in who we are and what we do.”
He also highlighted AUBG’s extraordinary success this year, including doubling alumni participation in fundraising. He then introduced the hosts of the evening – two senior students Lilia Petrova, Student Government President, and Teona Sima.
“We cannot talk about our incredible experience here as students without mentioning the amazing financial support that, as Svetozar Georgiev said, truly shapes futures and changes lives,” Petrova said.
Echoing her words, Teona Sima added: “Actually, one of those changed lives is mine, because I personally received the North Macedonia full scholarship four years ago, and it was truly life-changing because I got to live the best four years of my life.”
The Transformative Award
For the first time in AUBG’s history, the Transformative Award was presented, recognizing those who don’t just support progress but drive it.
President Margee Ensign introduced the recipient – the America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF), who has been a long-standing supporter of AUBG.
“You have been nothing short of transformative,” President Ensign asserted. “Through your vision, generosity, and support, you have fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of AUBG. Your belief in our mission and dedication to our wonderful students have empowered generations to achieve greatness – many of whom are in this room. Tonight, we honor you – a visionary and a true architect of AUBG’s success.”
Nancy Schiller, President and CEO of ABF, accepted the award with a powerful speech:
“This is drawing a line in the sand about what’s important. Our Board of Directors, led by Gail Buyske, felt it was important to show where our values lie. We share the values of education, democracy, and the kind of citizenship you demonstrate. The ABF matching challenge gift would not have happened without every single one of you. Congratulations to all of you for your generosity and support of AUBG, because you enabled this gift.”
The Panitza Visionary Award
The Panitza Visionary Award honors those who have showcased exceptional leadership. Introducing the award, Lilia Petrova shared a personal reflection:
“Stepping into the role of Student Government President was daunting at first, but this individual made those spaces more welcoming for me. His guidance, support, and leadership were invaluable. Watching him lead taught me what it means to be both strong and compassionate.”
President Ensign then presented the award to Michael Marvin, AUBG Trustee (2019-2025) and Board of Trustees Chair (2021-2025).
“The Dimi and Yvonne Panitza Visionary Award is reserved for those rare individuals whose leadership and generosity transcend the ordinary,” Ensign said. Mike Marvin, you’ve exemplified calm, steady, and visionary leadership, guided by an unshakable belief in AUBG’s mission and potential. Thank you, Mike, for your extraordinary contributions and for always being a cherished part of the AUBG community.”
In a heartfelt response, Michael Marvin shared:
“This place is important, and you know it. And if you don’t know it, you should. You are punching way above your weight at 30-40 years old. This is a world treasure in the making, and you are in the process of making it happen. Don’t ever forget it, and don’t let it go. I’m happy to receive this award. It’s a great honor. Thank you.”
AUBG Alumni Award
What makes AUBG a truly special place is its alumni, who carry AUBG’s spirit long after graduation. This year’s Alumni Award was presented to Ivo Tzenov (’03), Co-Founder of the leading Bulgarian IT company SiteGround.
President Ensign welcomed him on the stage:
“You embody the very best of our alumni community. Your exceptional generosity during the ABF matching challenge enabled us to reach our goal. When I asked you to contribute, you replied with, ‘I would love to help with fundraising.’ I was shaking as I was reading this. Over the last 15 years of my career as a university president, it’s rare that I’ve ever received such a personal response when asking for a contribution. Thank you, Ivo.”
She then read a message by AUBG Trustee Svetozar Georgiev (‘00) describing Ivo Tzenov:
“Your approach to giving is focused not on the recognition, but on the difference it makes for others. Your contributions are ensuring that AUBG remains a place of innovation, excellence, and opportunity.”
Reflecting on the award, Ivo Tzenov said:
“At AUBG, I had the most stress-free days of my life. I met lifelong friends, my wife, and my co-founders here. When I first arrived in 1998, I was one of the youngest students, unsure of what to expect. You open the door, you go there, and you take what’s in front of you and live it. Twenty years later, a lot of things have happened to me, and we rarely take time to reflect.”
“My message to you is this: reflect on the things you have in your life, whether it’s your time at university or the people you have met. Everything is connected. For me, AUBG is a big part of that connection. Thank you for what you do.”
The Faculty Award
The Faculty Award recognizes that our professors don’t just educate us; they mentor us and guide us in ways that extend well beyond the classroom.
This year’s recipient is Professor Jeffrey Nilsen, who has been a dedicated member of the AUBG faculty since 2010. Provost J.D. Mininger accepted the award on Nilsen’s behalf, as he was teaching at the time – doing what he does best.
“The care that he models is seen and unseen. The students see it in the classroom and we see it in their feedback. The faculty and staff members see it in the fact that he works tirelessly,” Mininger said.
“But perhaps what is less seen, and now hopefully, a more recognized version of that care, is Professor Nilsen’s philanthropy. A year after he arrived, he established a scholarship – already an unusual thing for an active professor to do. Several years later, he created another endowed scholarship, both aimed at supporting our most financially vulnerable students. Thank you, Professor Nilsen.”
The Friends of AUBG Award
AUBG’s impact extends far beyond its campus, finding a home in the hearts of many of our allies – the friends of AUBG. This award celebrates those who are not alumni but have chosen to walk alongside AUBG as cherished friends and partners.
This year’s award was presented to Stefan Grigorov, Co-Founder of Dreamix, alongside proud AUBG alumnus Stoyan Mitov (‘11). As Lilia Petrova noted, he is “someone whose support exemplifies what it means to truly believe in AUBG’s missions.”
Stoyan Mitov (’11), Stefan’s Dreamix confounder, made an impromptu call one evening last fall while attending an AUBG alumni dinner. Mitov asked Grigorov on the spot to give to AUBG, and he immediately agreed.
As his friend and business partner Stoyan Mitov put it:
“Stefan is a very broad human being. He co-founded Dreamix and AhaPlay with the sole purpose of making society better. Education is fundamental to living in a better world, and AUBG plays a significant role in the local ecosystem.”
Upon accepting the award, Grigorov said:
“In these extraordinary times, I believe, goodness must stand together more than ever.”
As the evening came to an end, what remained was not just the glow of celebration, but a renewed sense of shared purpose. The stories told, the people honored, and the connections strengthened reminded everyone in the room that AUBG is more than an institution—it is a community powered by belief, generosity, and hope. From those who give quietly to those who lead boldly, every act of support helps shape the future of this university and the students who call it home. And if the Donor Recognition Evening reminded us of anything, it’s this: when people come together around a mission they believe in, the extraordinary is possible.
