As the tassels turned from right to left and caps soared in the air, we knew the moment has arrived. The Class of 2025 has officially ended their AUBG chapter.
It’s a bitter-sweet moment for all of us. The students who have been nurtured within the AUBG community, are now leaving the academic nest. We’ve watched them power through exams, open up about their dreams and worries, and build projects, ideas, and micro-communities with their talent, hearts, and minds.
Today, 255 undergraduate students and 22 Executive MBA graduates don their gowns and head towards the graduation ceremony, with tears in their eyes and smiles in their hearts. It’s a bitter-sweet moment for them, too.
Ceremony opening
After the graduating students and the faculty took their seats, led by the sounds of Big Band Blagoevgrad, the ceremony opened with heartfelt remarks by President Dr. Margee Ensign:
“We call this ceremony both a Graduation and a Commencement: a leave taking and departure, and a new beginning.
“An ending of your life with us here on this campus, with your Blagoevgrad faculty and friends. But also, a beginning of your life as a leader in your chosen fields and in society, just as so many of our alumni before you have done.”
President Ensign didn’t miss to acknowledge that this is a milestone for all of the people who have given a helping hand during the AUBG journey: parents, faculty, and staff.
President Dr. Margee Ensign
Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Chris Potts
Dr. Chris Potts, Chair of the AUBG Board of Trustees, also presented greeting from the Board to the graduating students and their families:
“We believe that you will make a positive change and contribution in Bulgaria, the region, and beyond, in all aspects of life, business, and governance. You are joining a family of over 6,000 alumni.”
H. Martin McDowell, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia
Mayor of Blagoevgrad Metodi Baykushev
A key ingredient of success is having the right qualities. As Mayor Metodi Baykushev put it in his speech: “Leadership is not about position. It’s about qualities, and these qualities you have learned here. Just make sure that you do not forget them.”
Looking ahead to the future, H. Martin McDowell, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, shared three pieces of advice with the Class of 2025:
“No matter what, stay a decent human being. Stop to help others when you see that they have an emotional flat tire. Second, learn to listen. If you truly want to understand others, to appreciate the world around you, you have to use your full hearing to genuinely listen. Finally, leave this world a better place. You want to know what the meaning of life is? I’m pretty sure, actually, that’s it. That’s why we’re here.”
Exceptional students
Among the Class of 2025 are students who have excelled academically and made lasting contributions to the community. Many of them received honors – cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude – signifying grade point averages of 3.5, 3.75, and 3.9 respectively. Given the rigor of the academic curriculum at AUBG, this is a hard-earned accomplishment.
Valedictorian: William Haslam
The Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 is Will William Haslam, who graduated with a 3.994 CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) on a 4-point scale. Originally from Franklin, Tennessee, USA, and having lived in Utah, USA, Yokohama, Japan, and Marseille, France, William enjoys studying languages and can speak seven so far. He double-majored in Political Science and International Relations and History and Civilizations, and was awarded for Outstanding Achievement in History this year. After graduating, William plans to pursue a master’s and then PhD program in History, in preparation for his intended career as a university history professor.
Class of 2025 Valedictorian William Haslam
Class of 2025 Salutatorian Lyuboslav Gigov
Salutatorian: Lyuboslav Gigov
Lyuboslav Gigov has been selected the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025, graduating with a remarkable 3.984 CGPA. A double major in Physics and Computer Science, he published his senior thesis, titled “Haldane Spheres”, in the Bulgarian Journal of Physics – a rare achievement for an undergraduate. Throughout his time at AUBG, he made a lasting impact as a dedicated research assistant and academic tutor in the Math and Science department, inspiring peers through both scholarship and mentorship.
Outstanding Executive MBA students
As per tradition, two exceptional students from the graduating EMBA class were honored this year. Veroslav Tsenov stood out for fostering inclusive participation and discussions, demonstrating strong critical reflection and the ability to integrate diverse perspectives. Alexey Yakushkin, with 19 years of experience in the IT industry and currently working at a multinational cybersecurity software vendor, Acronis, has already been promoted to a director role at his current company, demonstrating the immediate, transformative impact of his business education.
Outstanding EMBA student Alexey Yakushkin
AUBG Presidential Medalist Marko Mazepa
AUBG Presidential Medalist: Marko Mazepa
Each year, the AUBG Presidential Medal is awarded to the graduating senior who best embodies the core principles of the liberal arts tradition. The Presidential Medalist of the Class of 2025 is Marko Mazepa, who truly exemplifies these values. A top student in Political Science and International Relations and European Studies, he has earned numerous awards, published original work, and led civic initiatives supporting refugees and human rights. On campus, he helped build a more inclusive community through roles like Model UN President and MentiFY Head.
Student Government President: Lilia Petrova
This year’s Student Government President, Lilia Petrova, has left an undeniable mark with her dedication, leadership qualities, and genuine care for the community. Lilia is graduating with a double major in European Studies and Journalism & Mass Communications, along with minors in Integrated Marketing Communications and Public Policy. She’s also pursuing a degree in Contemporary Choreography at South-West University. As Student Government President and an active leader in clubs like Broadway Performance and Model EU, Lilia has been a driving force in campus life. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make on the world.
Student Government President Lilia Petrova
Student speaker Maha Afif
Student speaker: Maha Afif
This year’s student speaker was Maha Afif, who graduated with a major in Political Science and International Relations, and minors in European Studies and Spanish. Known for her intellectual curiosity and global mindset, she served as Lead Mentor in the MentiFY Program, Secretary of Phi Beta Delta, and an active member of Model EU. A Spanish tutor and multilingual speaker passionate about civic education and cross-cultural dialogue, Maha delivered a memorable commencement address.
Read Maha Afif’s full speech.
Maria Luisa Emeritus Trustees Award recipient Spas Dimitrov
Board of Trustees Deputy Chair and former AUBG student Victoria Entwistle
Michael D. Marvin awarded Honorary Degree
The awarding of an honorary degree is a rare and special event in the life of any university. This year, Mr. Michael D. Marvin, AUBG Trustee (2019-2021) and Board of Trustees Chair (2021-2025), has been bestowed the highest award – Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa).
Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) Michael D. Marvin
Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) Michael D. Marvin
Michael D. Marvin has astutely guided AUBG through moments of challenge and moments of growth. Under his leadership, AUBG welcomed the largest-ever class, expanded its campus, and launched the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship. His vision and leadership have left a lasting legacy.
Read Mr. Marvin’s full speech.
Community recognitions
AUBG also honored several members of the community who have largely impacted the university with their contributions, dedication, and trust in the growth of our community.
Board of Trustees Deputy Chair and former AUBG student Victoria Entwistle had the pleasure and honor to recognize two outstanding individuals as recipients of the Princess Maria Luisa Emeritus Trustees Award: Dr. Edward Friedman and Spas Dimitrov.
Maria Luisa Emeritus Trustees Award recipient Spas Dimitrov
Board of Trustees Deputy Chair and former AUBG student Victoria Entwistle
Dr. Friedman joined the AUBG Board of Trustees in 2017 and is now concluding his service, leaving a lasting mark. Dimitrov, former Member of Parliament, has played a vital role in the founding and early development of AUBG – one of a small group of local leaders who supported the idea of bringing an American-style university to the region.
Read more about the Maria Luisa Emeritus Trustees Award recipients.
Distinguished Service Awardee Former AUBG President Dr. Julia Watkins
President Dr. Margee Ensign and Former AUBG President Dr. Julia Watkins
President Ensign also had the distinct honor of presenting the Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Julia Watkins, AUBG President 1993 – 2003 and a dear friend of the University. Dr. Watkins’ clear vision helped turn the AUBG promise into reality.
Distinguished Service Awardee Former AUBG President Dr. Julia Watkins
President Dr. Margee Ensign and Former AUBG President Dr. Julia Watkins
She secured vital support from the U.S. and Open Society, led us through NEASC accreditation, and helped establish lasting traditions.
“But your legacy is more than milestones. You built a culture of excellence, service, and community. You helped make AUBG a home. You stood with us at our very first Commencement – a “grand day,” as you called it. Today, as we celebrate our 31st graduating class, we honor how much of our journey began with you,” said President Ensign.
Read more about Dr. Julia Watkins and the Distinguished Service Award.
As we say goodbye to the Class of 2025, we know this isn’t a final farewell. Back then, they were students. Now, they are alumni. And they will always remain part of the AUBG community.
