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Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar“ Celebrates the 35th Anniversary of Its Establishment
30 May 2026
Varna Free University ”Chernorizets Hrabar” is marking its 35th anniversary with the largest alumni reunion in its history, international academic events, exhibitions, meetings with key professionals, and the ceremonial graduation of nearly 300 students on May 24th.
The highlight of the anniversary celebrations will take place on May 23rd in the university’s Eastern Park, where more than 400 alumni from Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries will gather to celebrate the academic community.
Today, students from 34 countries across four continents study at Varna Free University, while the university’s international partnership network brings together dozens of higher education institutions and academic organizations worldwide. A second generation of students is already studying at the university - the children of its first graduates - which stands as a natural testament to the trust in the institution and the enduring connection between generations.
The festive evening on May 23rd will be created by the university community itself. Performers on stage will include the Music Club of the Student Council, featuring students, faculty members, staff, and the university president, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimir Nedyalkov. They will perform together with Teodosii Spasov - Doctor Honoris Causa of Varna Free University - as well as the bagpipe orchestra of Dragni Dragnev and singer Yanitsa Kaneva.
The celebratory program continues on May 24th - the Day of St. St. Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture, and Slavic literature. Faculty members, students, staff, and alumni of the university will take part in the traditional festive parade in Varna.
At 1:00 p.m. in the Plenary Hall of the Municipality of Varna, the official graduation ceremony for the autumn session graduates of the Class of 2025 - the 30th graduating class in the university’s history - will take place. The academic management will present diplomas to nearly 300 graduates from the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.
On May 21st, the Faculty of Architecture at Varna Free University will receive the prestigious Varna Award in the category of Social Sciences for achievements in educational and research activities. At 2:00 p.m. on the same day, near the Sundial in the Sea Garden of Varna, the exhibition “A Vision for Varna - The City I Want to Live In” will open. In the exhibition, graduating students from the Architecture programme will present projects and ideas for the development of the urban environment and the modern appearance of Varna.
Alongside the anniversary programme, the university is also organizing a “Month of the Faculty of Architecture,” dedicated to 30 years of the Faculty of Architecture, 30 years of the Construction of Buildings and Facilities programme and 25 years of the Architecture programme.
As part of the initiative, international lectures, professional meetings, and exhibitions will be held with the participation of longtime CNN International anchor Ralitsa Vassileva, currently a lecturer at the University of Georgia, architects from Japan and Georgia, and representatives of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria.
Varna Free University celebrates its 35th anniversary as one of Bulgaria’s most recognizable educational institutions, with an international presence, active partnerships with businesses, and a strong connection between education and professional practice. The university is among the Bulgarian higher education institutions included in the QS international rankings, ranks fourth in the country for digital reputation, has received more than 25 Varna Awards, and holds one of the highest institutional accreditation scores among private universities in Bulgaria - 9.01.
FESTIVE PROGRAMME
Celebrating 35 Years Since the Establishment of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
May 21st 2026
The Faculty of Architecture at Varna Free University will receive the “Varna Award” in the “Social Sciences” category for achievements in educational and research activities.
2:00 p.m. - Opening of the exhibition “A Vision for Varna — The City I Want to Live In”
Graduating students from the Architecture programme will present projects and ideas for the development of the urban environment and the contemporary image of Varna.
Location: Near the Sundial in the Sea Garden, Varna
Exhibition period: May 21st – June 4th, 2026
May 23rd 2026
6:30 p.m. Alumni Reunion “35 Years — Generations of Knowledge and Trust”
Location: Eastern Park of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
The program features the university music club Varna Free Band, Teodosii Spasov - Doctor Honoris Causa of the university, the university’s Academic Dance Theatre, the bagpipe orchestra of Dragni Dragnev - university lecturer and a concert by Yanitsa Kaneva.
May 24th 2026
Festive Parade in Varna, dedicated to the Day of St. St. Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture, and Slavic literature.
Faculty members, students, staff, and alumni of Varna Free University will participate in the university’s procession block.
1:00 p.m.
Official Graduation Ceremony for the Autumn Session Graduates of the Class of 2025
The 30th graduating class in the university’s history.
The academic management will award diplomas to nearly 300 graduates from the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.
Location: Plenary Hall, Municipality of Varna
May 26th 2026
2:00 – 3:00 p. m. Architectural Heritage in Tbilisi
Meeting with faculty members from the International Black Sea University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Location: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hraba
May 27th 2026
10:00 – 12:00 p.m. Lecture: Design and Communicate: Skills for Persuasive Presentation of Architectural Projects
Lecturer: Ralitsa Vassileva, University of Georgia
Location: Varna Free University “Chernorize
May 28 th2026
10:00 – 12:00 p.m. Lectures Dedicated to the History of Development and Public Buildings in the United States
“History of Urban Development in the United States”
Lecturer: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Scott Nesbit, University of Georgia
“History of Public Buildings in the United States”
Lecturer: Assist. Prof. Dr. Kate Marques, University of Georgia
Location: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
1:00 – 3:00 p. m. Meeting Between Architecture Students and Architect Borislav Vladimirov
Chairperson of the Board of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria.
Location: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Discussion Forum: “Architectural Education — Best Practices and New Trends”
Participants: the management of the Faculty of Architecture, faculty members from the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, the architect Borislav Vladimirov - Chairperson of the Board of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria, architect Marin Velchev - Chairperson of the Varna Regional Chamber of Architects.
May 29th 2026
10:00 – 12:00 p. m. Meeting: “The Living Project: AI Video as a Bridge Between Idea and Reality”
Participants: Stefan Grigorov, Tihomir Banov, “Epoha Online” Location: Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
May 30th 2026
10:00 – 6:00 p.m. University Participation in the Educational Exhibition “Orange by the Sea”Location: Entrance to the Sea Garden, near the Sundial