Kazakh-American Free University turns 30

In Ust-Kamenogorsk, a week of celebrations of the anniversary of the new format of education university has started, and the celebrations are also dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the rector’s activity of Erezhep Mambetkazievа

The opening ceremony of the anniversary week took place in the assembly hall of KAFU in a solemn atmosphere in the presence of numerous foreign partners of the university, reports the correspondent of Ustinka LIVE .

In the distant and difficult transitional year of 1993 for the entire independent republic, the first meeting of the four founders of the university took place – one Kazakhstani and three US citizens. A year later, the opening of the Kazakh-American Higher College of Economics and Humanities took place. In his welcoming speech, KAFU Vice President Daniel Bellast shared a brief history of the university and its achievements over 30 years.

In 1994, we rented one classroom at EKSU, – Daniel Bellast, who received a master’s degree in Kazakh philology, recalled the formative years, since the foundation of KAFU has been its vice-president coordinating international educational programs. – Then we had only 25 students studying in one specialty – management. Now the university and two colleges in it have three excellent academic buildings, a sports complex, a hotel and dormitories for students. Over 3,600 students study at the university, about 2 thousand students receive secondary specialized education in 38 specialties! Over 30 years, we have trained more than 15 thousand specialists and over 6 thousand of them speak English. In 1994 of the last century, we had one partner from the USA, now we are proud to have about 30 foreign partners from 13 countries, including the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, Turkey and others. Over 700 foreign teachers participate in our academic process of education. Once we only dreamed of implementing international programs, now we have sent over 850 students to prestigious internships and student mobility programs around the world. We consider all this a huge success and a significant achievement in the development of our university.

At the opening ceremony of the anniversary week, 30 teachers of KAFU, who worked almost from its very foundation, were awarded anniversary medals and letters of gratitude, and veterans of the KAFU education sector were awarded separate awards. A video was also shown with congratulations from graduates of the university, who, despite the distances, remain part of the large KAFU family. They shared their successes, warm memories and sincere wishes in honor of the anniversary of their alma mater. More than 60 foreign guest partners are expected to arrive for the celebration, three professors have already been awarded the high title of “Honorary Doctor of KAFU”. As part of the week, a general meeting of the Association of Universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan will be held with the participation of the Minister of Higher Education and Science Sayasat Nurbek. On September 27, the Ertys Concert Hall will host a ceremonial event “KAFU – 30 Years of Creation” with the participation of the head of the republican department and akim of the East Kazakhstan region Ermek Kosherbayev. It is also expected that an International Scientific Congress will be held on the topic: “Science and Education of the 21st Century: Challenges and Trends in the Context of Sustainable Development.”

When I created several universities in different regions of Kazakhstan, I always dreamed that the whole world would learn about Kazakhstani education, about the achievements and undeniable advantages of our country, – noted in his welcoming speech the academician, the author of a number of innovations in education, science, approved and implemented in university practice Erezhep Mambetkaziyev. – Today, our graduates are already working in different countries. And they glorify our Kazakhstan with their work, knowledge obtained at KAFU. My dream came true! And I say a huge thank you, if we succeeded, then only thanks to the efforts and work of our friendly, professional team.

Many important and significant events of international scale will take place this week. And all of them will become the most striking recognition of the achievements of the Kazakh-American Free University and its permanent and tireless leader Erezhep Alkhairovich Mambetkaziyev.

Source: Ustinka.kz