Commencement 2014

June 3, 2014

Good bye, Class of 2014!

 

On May 31, 2014 the American University of Central Asia graduated its Class of 2014. Commencement ceremonies took place at the Kyrgyz National Philarmonic named after Toktogul Satylganov. On this day the Class of 2014 said goodbye not only to spring, but also to their lovely university.

 

Opening Ceremony Reminiscent of Olympic Games

The opening ceremony of this event brought to mind a symbol of peace – the Olympic Games. Commencement began with a solemn procession of national flags representing more than 20 countries whose nationals study or work at AUCA, an indication of the international education the American University of Central Asia offers its students.

After the parade of flags, a presidium created especially for Commencement was invited to take the stage. The Presidium was composed of AUCA President Dr. Andrew Wachtel, Vice-prime-minister for Social Affairs of Kyrgyz Republic Elvira Sarieva, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kyrgyz Republic Pamela L. Spratlen, and representatives of the university’s faculty.

 

Address by Notable Members of the Presidium

Presidium members congratulated graduates, wishing them good luck and happy journeys in their lives. The Philharmonic Hall was full of families and friends of students holding cameras and flowers who came to congratulate their students on this auspicious occasion.

 

AUCA President Andrew Wachtel spoke first with his congratulatory address. Above all, he thanked the parents of graduates:

“I think, your support is the biggest contribution not for your children and Kyrgyzstan only, but for the whole world.”  

 

Elvira Sarieva, representative of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, has impressed everyone in attendance with her oratory and language skills. Aside from her native Kyrgyz language, she speaks Russian and English fluently as well! She sent her best wishes in three languages with her patriotic spirit.

“Kyrgyzstan was going through a rocky period these last years. Sometimes patience was insufficient. In certain cases, we were betrayed. But, I’m sure, all bad things are gone. Our people will not be fobbed off anymore. Now, our country knows the price for losses of a lack of self-control. We have strong hopes for our youth. I wish you good luck in your life!” – said Elvira Sarieva.

 

You will learn a lot about us, AUCA!

After the official speeches came the long-expected and most solemn moment – presenting diplomas. Presidential recognitions for achievement were awarded to outstanding students, followed by the presentation of diplomas. This long process was accompanied throughout by the applauses of guests and friends, a moment that will undoubtedly be stamped in the memory of each student. Studying 5 years together, each of them made friends and advisors within the walls of their beloved university. They received the best knowledge and positive memories. Valedictorian Evgenia Tsoi ended her speech of gratitude with phrase: You will learn a lot about us, AUCA!

 

“Scarlet Sails” by Mirrors theater group

After this exciting, joyful, and bittersweet moment putting people in good spirits was required. Young talented members of AUCA’s Mirrors theater group gave a great mood to audience. Their musical “Scarlet Sails” was a moving tribute to the Class of 2014. Finally the event ended with a photo session to the accompaniment of balloons and hats being released into the air. It was a touching moment of tears, gladness, and hopeful looks towards the future…

A Kyrgyz proverb says: “Конор журтуӊдан да, көчкөн журтуӊ аман болсун” it means “Fortune should came first to them, who set out”.

 

Good Bye and Good Luck, Class of 2014!  We say goodbye to you, but not farewell.

 

"I wish life will always smile to us"

Alina Kozhoeva, graduate:

-          Today we say goodbye not only to spring, but also to our lovely university. Best students, friends, and professionals have made their first steps to life. Here we go, commencement is going to end. I think, nobody will forget it. I want to thank all members of AUCA faculty, Andrew Wachtel and Mr. Shulgin! Evgenia Tsoi – you are the best! She made all of us cry because of her farewell speech. Baatyr Shabdanov surprised us with his originality. I wish good luck to all the class. I wish life will always smile on us.

 

"Enjoy AUCA. Now, it is impossible to me."

Baatyr Shabdanov, graduate:

-          I was infinitely happy, when I went to the scene, hugged president and almost knocked down him! I was excited and couldn’t understand my thoughts. Because I was saying good bye to my home and tutors. I’m happy, because I have spent my 5 years with the best people. They always were with me: on scene, studying, halls, events, patio, New Star, KVN, Orientation, and in my heart! I thank all of you! You are always in my heart! I wish current students: live in the present time and enjoy AUCA. Now, it is impossible to me…

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