After 23 years since its inception, the Executive MBA (EMBA) program at AUBG brought together alumni, current students, faculty, partners, and friends for a celebration of the outstanding leaders it continues to cultivate and the people behind it – the EMBA Reunion.
Held on March 19 at Planet Schwarz Tech Theater, the event gathered participants from across all cohorts, from the very first class in 2003 to the current EMBA ’25 cohort, under one roof. Nearly 200 attendees filled the space with energy, reconnecting through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of belonging.
Alongside heartfelt conversations, the evening also had a deeper purpose. Through a charity auction and donations, the community came together to support the NOVA EMBA Scholarship – a joint initiative with NOVA Broadcasting Group. By the end of the night, $14,804 were raised.
Continued growth
Speaking as an EMBA graduate, Deputy Co-Chair of AUBG’s Board of Trustees, and a proud father of a sophomore daughter at AUBG, Svetoslav Georgiev (EMBA ’05) spoke about the impact of the program on his international career:
“The program was a turning point in my professional career,” he shared. “It helped shape my business thinking and encouraged me to look at the broader perspective, rather than focusing only on day-to-day activities.”
This sense of community continues to translate into tangible success. According to the Bulgaria Ministry of Education’s rankings for two consecutive years, AUBG EMBA alumni achieve the highest average salary in Bulgaria, exceeding EUR 4,500.
Over the years, the EMBA program has continued to evolve, offering more than 20 elective courses tailored to the demands of an ever-changing business world.
Our alumni network has included leaders across various industries, from members of Parliament and corporate executives to innovators at global organizations, including leadership roles at Shell Bulgaria, Milestone Systems, Postbank, HCL Tech, and beyond.
A community and a strong network
Even years after graduation, EMBA cohorts naturally gravitated toward one another like magnets, sparking inspiring conversations. Professors also continue to be involved with the growth of their former students, invested in their achievements and remembering past project.
“There are many excellent institutions in Bulgaria, in Europe, and around the world,” said Dr. J.D. Mininger, Provost and Interim President at AUBG. “But one of the things we do exceptionally well is create community.”
“We create an environment where people can learn, challenge one another, build friendships, form relationships, and create lasting connections,” he added. “That is something very special.”
A culture of giving back
As alumni continue to bring achievements, they cannot help but think about how to create opportunities for others to have the same experience.
“We are also here to support the program,” said Svetoslav Georgiev. “We are here to support the next generation – the future leaders of this country and beyond the region. I truly mean that.”
A highlight of the evening was the charity auction supporting the NOVA EMBA Scholarship. The first joint scholarship with NOVA Broadcasting Group was awarded in 2023 to Boyan Nedyalkov (EMBA ’25). Since then, Jane Kerkova (EMBA’26) and Vanya Trendafilova (EMBA’27) have also been its recipients.
Guests bid on unique, community-driven experiences, including a private dinner with EMBA Professor Yusaf Akbar, “A Day in the Life of a VC” with Eleven Ventures, and a signed T-shirt by Karlos Nasar.
Svetoslav Georgiev expressed gratitude to the EMBA community and its supporters, and also acknowledged the support of Princess Maria Louisa, an honorary trustee, who continues to support AUBG.
Building bridges
The EMBA program is possible because of the joint efforts between faculty, staff, alumni, and partners.
“We exist to work together – to be a bridge for opportunity, for change, and for improvement,” said J.D. Mininger. “We are a bridge between academia and the real impact of the business world. Without that bridge, there is very little we can achieve.”
