A grand and unforgettable event took place on May 25 at Al-Farabi KazNU. The leading University of the country has celebrated its 85th Anniversary and the Day of Graduates.

On this day, more than 2 thousand graduates from different years gathered at the Triumphal Arch «Mangilik Yel»  to meet with fellow students, teachers, and take part in the II Alumni Forum, dedicated to the University's Anniversary and the 25th Anniversary of the Alumni Association.
For the first time a meeting of ex-students was held in 2014, and the Graduate Day is traditionally held on the last Saturday of May. A happy student time is an indelible impression for life. And, of course, memories of those years, unforgettable, long-awaited meetings charge with energy and optimism. Graduates carefully keep in memory all that reminds them of students, they are interested in the life of the Alma Mater, which opened them the way to life, and they rejoice in its progress and achievements.
The ideological inspirer of the event is the Alumni Association of KazNU, whose activities form the partnership system between the University and the Alumni community. The Association is headed by a graduate of the Faculty of Law in 1981, the Chairman of the Constitutional Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kairat Mami. The Presidium includes such famous personalities as Olzhas Suleimenov, Myrzatai Zholdasbekov, Kenzhegali Sagadiyev, Akmaral Arystanbekova, Armanzhan Baytasov, Nurlan Smagulov and others.
The II Forum events were attended by University graduates from different years, representatives of government agencies, scientific community, business community, partner Universities from Kazakhstan, foreign and neighboring countries, diplomatic missions in the Republic of Kazakhstan, teachers and students of the University.
At 10 am in the morning they gathered at the Arc de Triomphe «Mangilik Yel». The holiday has started with the presentation of the plaque  and continued with the laying of flowers at the monuments of Al-Farabi and Umirbek Dzholdasbekov. Then the guests got acquainted with the photo exhibition about the achievements and development of KazNU at the Students' Palace.
At the grand opening of the II Forum, Akim of Almaty city Bauyrzhan Baybek read congratulations on behalf of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Rector of KazNU, academician Galym Mutanov, Head of the Senate Office of the Parliament Serik Sydykov, Vice-speaker of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gulmira Isimbaeva, great humanist of the modernity Olzhas Suleymenov, Vice-Minister of Internal Affairs Rashid Zhakupov, Director of the Department of the MES RK Adilet Toibayev,  President of «Astana Group» company Nurlan Smagulov and other famous graduates have made the welcoming speeches.
As Rector of KazNU Galym Mutanov highlighted, throughout its history, the Alma Mater has been and remains the main «forge» of personnel of the Kazakhstani political, cultural and business elite. Today KazNU is actively transformed into a world-class research University. For the first time, in the generally recognized international QS rankings, it has entered to the top 250, taking 220th place out of the 800 best Universities in the world. KazNU is the only Kazakhstani University among the top 200 most environmentally friendly HEIs, and among the 50 most technologically advanced Universities in the world it is recognized as the «Best University of the Turkic World».
«The idea of celebrating the Graduates Day is consonant with the «Tugan Zher»» program offered by Elbasy. Patriotism begins with love for a small country, aul, and city. A special attitude to the Alma Mater, where you studied, spent the best student years, gained knowledge - this is also the most important feature of national patriotism. We are proud of our graduates who contribute to all spheres without exception: economics, science, education, and culture. Our annual meetings have become a wonderful tradition and a real symbol of unity and involvement in the fate of our native University, » - he emphasized.
«I really value the fact that I am a graduate of the best University in Kazakhstan. Since its existence, the Alma Mater nurtured talented professionals. And now, graduates have created and continue to create the wealth that supports our independent Republic. I am very proud of this and thank them for this invaluable contribution, » said Olzhas Suleimenov in his speech.
The Forum honored graduates who not only maintain contact with the University, but also provide sponsorship to their native Alma Mater. Certificates «Maecenas of KazNU» were awarded to Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, a graduate of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Armanzhan Baitasov, a graduate of the Faculty of Journalism, graduates of the Faculty of Chemistry Adbrasil Zharmenov and Zelina Katranova.
Nurlan Smagulov spoke on their behalf, who addressed this year’s graduates and said: «Today you leave the University and many well-trodden and unknown roads are opening up before you. Before each of you, there are a thousand opportunities to realize yourself; you only need to begin to act and implement your ideas, even if they seem unreal or unenforceable. Be open to everything new, dream, and believe your inner compass, and strive forward and upward! »

Medals of Al-Farabi KazNU «Eren Enbegi Ushin» were awarded to Olzhas Suleimenov, Rector of the Eurasian Humanitarian Institute, a graduate of the 1969 Amangeldy Kussainov, Kazakh scientist and public figure Rahman Alshanov, Director General of the First Channel «Eurasia», Sergei Kisselyev, Editor in Chief of socio-political newspaper «Bіlіmdі El» Lyazzat Turkestanova.Within the framework of the Forum, the third volume of the book «Bіzdіń elıta - Our Elite»  about outstanding graduates and a film about the achievements of the Alma Mater were presented. Official events ended with a grand gala concert. The Day of Graduates continued with meetings at faculties, a campus tour was organized for guests.In the evening, a colorful Ball of Graduates 2019 was held at the central square of KazNU.

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