On June 10, 2022, NU hosted the VIII graduation ceremony. This is the first ceremony to honor alumni on the University campus after two years of restrictions because of Covid-2019.
Traditionally, the solemn ceremony began with an academic procession of graduates, honors students and faculty. A moment of silence was held in memory of the professors who passed away, as well as the two students of this graduating class who died in the mountains last year. After, the ceremony was followed by welcoming speeches of graduates and an invited guest, which this year was the Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan Galymzhan Pirmatov.
For his part, NU President Shigeo Katsu, while applauding the graduates’ determination, called for their dedication despite the pandemic, the January events and global instability affecting the entire region. “I would like to ask you, our graduating class of 2022, to hold your heads up high and be proud to the quality of education you have received here, the exposure to research you have been able to enjoy, the stimulus you have received to launch your own entrepreneurial initiatives, and the quality of student life you have become accustomed to – and this even during the pandemic. We have educated you to become future leaders, and nobody can take it away from you or our institution,” said NU President Katsu in his speech.
He also noted that recent events have dramatically accelerated the transition from the first president’s regime to the current one. “Many in our Community are anxiously wondering whether NU‘s name will also be affected. My answer is that President Tokayev and the Government have repeatedly affirmed their appreciation for this university and our sister organization, the NIS, and the composition of the newly confirmed Board of Trustees attest to their continuous support,” noted Mr. Shigeo Katsu.
He also emphasized that the University, in its role as a national incubator, continues to introduce and test new models and methods for key components of Kazakhstan’s future economy. “We believe that Kazakhstan’s future lies in exploiting its considerable brainpower and additionally attracting international talent to compete in a few high-end sectors on the foundations of research excellence, entrepreneurship, private sector engagement, ample funding, and again, resilience and perseverance,” the NU President said. At the end of his speech, he greeted the faculty and administrative staff of the university, wished graduates and students a bright future in all endeavors, and personally presented diplomas with honors to graduates with the best academic record.
This year 1394 students have graduated the University. There are 805 graduates with undergraduate degrees and 539 people with Master degrees, 27 medical doctors (MD) and 23 PhD graduates. They are the future leaders of the country: ambitious, curious and goal-oriented young people, ready to apply their knowledge for the benefit of Kazakhstan. One of them, Valeria Frolova, is a graduate of the NU School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Valeriya Frolova is one of them. She is a graduate of NU School of Sciences and Humanities. She was one of the organizers of the NU Green Society and an active member of the University Volunteer Club. She has received Student Awards as well. In her speech, Valeriya addressed graduates and faculty, thanking them for their support.
“We come from different places, but we are all united by NU. We are not just a group of people who share an institution of higher education, we are truly a community with its own culture, values and identity; I am very proud and incredibly happy to be its member. I have learned from a diversity of people and I hopefully have given something useful to others. Thanks to all of you, I’ve learned a great deal about my own vast country, while also getting international university experience, which is exceptionally unique,” said Valeriya Frolova.
The largest number of undergraduate students finished their studies at the School of Sciences and Humanities (413 graduates) and School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (344 graduates). 26 students graduated from School of Mining and Geosciences, and 22 students graduated from School of Medicine.
There were 81 graduates from Graduate School of Business, 81 from Graduate School of Education, 94 from Graduate School of Public Policy, 35 from School of Sciences and Humanities, 162 from School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 65 from School of Medicine, and 21 from School of Mining and Geosciences. 9 graduates of Graduate School of Education, 6 graduates of Graduate School of Public Policy, and 8 graduates of School of Engineering and Digital Sciences received doctoral degrees.
In the afternoon, ceremonies have continued at each School, where families of the graduates shared their happy moments.
