Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski celebrates 135 years with the President of UNICA
12 October 2023 | From our Members
UNICA member Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, recently marked a momentous milestone – its 135th anniversary. The celebration took place on the 2nd of October, with the President of UNICA, Prof. Sorin Costreie, in attendance. The event was a vibrant demonstration of the university’s enduring legacy and the strength of its academic community.
The celebration began with a grand procession with the members of the academic community, which departed from Rectorate and traversed through some of the capital’s most iconic locations before reaching the grandeur of Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky.
In the heart of St. Alexander Nevsky Square, the 136th academic year of Sofia University was officially inaugurated with a commencement speech by the Rector, Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov. The President of UNICA, who attended the event as the guest of honor, emphasized the immense significance of universities like Sofia in working towards consolidating the European foundation. Prof. Costreie, who serves as a Vice-Rector for the University of Bucharest, underscored the importance of “not limiting our perspective to Western Europe but also looking to our own region” and highlighted the importance of collaboration and collective efforts, particularly in the Balkans, for the future. Furthermore, he emphasized the role of universities in combating nationalism and populism, thereby contributing to the maintenance of peace in society.
Sofia University’s 135th anniversary celebration served as a poignant reminder of the institution’s rich history and its continued commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, unity, and the betterment of society.
Sofia University and UNICA: two decades of successful partnership!
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski relationship with UNICA is also celebrating a milestone, as 2023 marks 20 years since the university became a member of the network! Since 2003, Sofia University has collaborated with UNICA in different occasions, including hosting the 2013 Rectors Seminar on “The balance of responsibilities: University and Society in securing financial stability of higher education”, in the framework of its 125th founding anniversary celebrations. A more depth involvement has also been established through the involvement of the Rector, Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov, as a member in UNICA’s Steering Committee. Next month, the university is also welcoming the UNICA IRO Working Group Meeting 2023, from the 6-8 November
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