AUCA, you’ll hear about Class of 2015!

June 8, 2015

Not every university has its own farewell traditions, starting with the commencement ceremonies. But American University of Central Asia has its own long-standing customs. This year, more than 200 students graduated on June 6, in the Kyrgyz National Philharmonics Theater in Bishkek.

AUCA graduates seems to prefer classic gowns to modern clothes – cloaks of bachelors and masters, square academic caps with tassels and mortarboards. But this appearance of both students and faculty is in tune with academic seriousness, and at the same time generates a joyful, festive mood.

AUCA Commencement ceremony is grandiose by its scale, colossal. It is also a well-orchestrated performance. Participants – former AUCA students, their families, friends, distinguished presidium, faculty, top ranking official guests, some from foreign countries, journalists and many other.

The event started with a parade of national flags representing more than 20 countries, which were solemnly placed on the stage. After that, graduates carried emblems of each department. The diploma award ceremony that follows was very bright, colorful, solemn, and long: 200 persons were congratulated in person!

Black and red colors dominated in the event. These are the colors of the gowns. Presidium members’ cloaks were gold painted. There was constant music too. AUCA graduates walked out of the stage under the applause and received their precious double Kyrgyz-American diplomas from the hands of AUCA President, Andrew Wachtel. Somebody hugs faculty and tries to toss up Andrew Wachtel before running away from the stage with a grin.

Andrew Wachtel and some faculty made a speech. Former students cordially thanked their alma mater for the education received, their friends, faculty. “We are one big family. We thank AUCA for what and how we think”, – said many of the graduates. A warm and friendly environment reigned in the hall, everybody knew each other and was happy for success of each and every one.

Richard Miles, USA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the Kyrgyz Republic, Damira Niyazalieva, Vice Prime Minister for Social Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Andrei Volkov, Professor and Dean of the Skolkovo Moscow School of Management were among special guests. Andrei Volkov is one of the leading experts in the area of education policy of Russia.

“Now is the age of transfer from nepotism to professionalism. Relations are still important, but they are required only for confidence. Ten persons pursuing the same vision – it is a fantastic power. Sometimes even large corporations are built by groups of five persons who managed to cut a deal and start-up their business. Therefore it is very important to find your band, a company of people with whom you’ll grow,” - noted Andrei Volkov. Closing the ceremony, he thanked AUCA President Andrew Wachtel for his invitation and wished success to all.

The audience was positively surprised that speakers used at least 3 languages – English, Russian and Kyrgyz.

In addition to diplomas, several graduates were awarded scholarships from the president for their academic achievements. Mr. Wachtel personally put crimson ribbon over the shoulder of Iurii Kim, who became the best student of the 2014-2015 academic year.

“Even if we have graduated, AUCA will always be with us. AUCA gave us professional knowledge, skills and contacts, good memoirs and loyal friends. It is not the end. It is just beginning! AUCA, you’ll hear about Class of 2015!” – screamed Iurii out into the microphone.

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