“35 YEARS: TRADITION, DEVELOPMENT AND THE FUTURE” THIRD ALUMNI FORUM HELD AT OUR UNIVERSITY

Today, the Third Alumni Forum entitled “35 Years: Tradition, Development and the Future” was held at our university. The event was organised by the Alumni Association to mark the university’s 35th anniversary.

The forum aimed to unite university graduates, strengthen their relationship with the university and promote continuity between generations.

The event was moderated by Rukhabza Khaldarbek, Head of Dara Media and a 2011 graduate.

Opening the forum, Representative of the Rector Peyami Battal said:

“Founded 35 years ago, Akhmet Yassawi University now serves the Turkic world and educates young people from around 27 countries and communities.

The main distinguishing feature of our university is that it brings together young people from across the Turkic world under one roof. It enables them not only to study together for four or five years but also to establish intercultural ties and learn about one another’s traditions and customs. Although our graduates return to their home countries after completing their studies, they maintain the friendships they formed here. In this way, our university makes a significant contribution to bringing the cultures of the Turkic world closer together.

Another distinctive feature of our university is its close association with Hazret Sultan Khoja Akhmet Yassawi. This is more than merely a name: it entails a responsibility to introduce the world to the moral principles and understanding of humanity and society rooted in the great thinker’s Hikmets. At the heart of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi’s teachings are humanity and human values,” he said.

Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elmira Idrisova then addressed the participants:

“Every graduate should be proud of their university, just as every university should be proud of its graduates. The success of the world’s leading universities is also closely linked to their alumni. We therefore express our gratitude to every graduate who made time to attend today’s forum.

Our graduates’ professional growth and standing in society are important to the university. We want to remain in regular contact with you and hear your views on the university’s development because openness and integrity are essential to its progress.

We are working to ensure that every graduate can carry their diploma with pride. I wish you all every success!” she said.

Mariyam Assanova, Executive Director of the Alumni Association and Head and Founder of the Yasawi Endowment Fund, said:

“Established in 1991, our university developed alongside our independent country and, within a short period, became an international institution that brought together young people from across the Turkic world under one roof. I would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of our first rector, Academician Murat Zhurinov, who played a major role in the university’s establishment and development.

Over the past 35 years, nearly 100,000 students have graduated from our university. Today, they are working successfully in a wide range of fields. Every graduate’s achievement enhances the reputation of our university.

Being an alumnus is not limited to receiving a diploma. It means maintaining ties with the institution where you studied, supporting future generations and contributing to the university’s development.

We must also contribute to the development of the Yasawi Endowment Fund. This is an investment in the university’s future. Every contribution to the Fund will help support talented students and advance education and research.

Our strength lies in unity and commitment to our shared cause. Let us work together to support the development of the university that brought us all together under one roof. Congratulations on the 35th anniversary! May many more achievements and milestones lie ahead!” she said.

Vice-Rector for Social and Cultural Development Yedil Tolegenov also extended his best wishes:

“A university is not merely an institution that awards diplomas. It is an important institution that develops human capital, generates new knowledge and strengthens the country’s intellectual potential. Its true success is measured primarily by the contribution its graduates make to society. Every graduate’s professional achievements and service to the country enhance the reputation of their alma mater.

Today, our university has risen to 184th place among Asia’s leading higher education institutions and entered the top ten universities in Kazakhstan. It is also ranked 761–770 in the QS World University Rankings. This is the result of systematic work to improve educational quality, advance research and strengthen international cooperation.

Although we have graduated from the university, we have not become separated from its history. Each of us continues to write that history through our work. Therefore, today’s forum will not only strengthen ties among graduates but also pave the way for concrete initiatives supporting the university’s development. Our shared goal is to enhance the reputation of our alma mater and contribute to the development of our country and the entire Turkic world,” he said.

Deputy Governor of Turkistan Region and 2005 graduate Yertai Altayev then delivered a video message:

“My university holds a special place in my life. I graduated from this institution in 2005 and began my professional career. Over the past 35 years, the university has made a significant contribution to education and research and has become a respected institution that trains highly qualified specialists. This is the result of the university community’s dedicated work. May the standing and reputation of our alma mater continue to grow! I wish every teacher and graduate tremendous success!” he said.

Deputy Mayor of Turkistan Madiyar Alipov said:

“I also graduated from this university in 2008 and began my professional career. Today, I work in public service. This institution therefore holds a special place in my life, and I am proud to be one of its graduates.

Our graduates are now working successfully in public administration, science, education and many other fields, contributing to the country’s development. This is the result of the efforts of the teachers who educated and guided us.

Today, our university is developing internationally and has entered the ranks of Kazakhstan’s leading higher education institutions. I hope that its achievements will continue to grow and that it will reach even greater heights in the future,” he said.

One of the forum programme’s key initiatives was the charity campaign “A Contribution Today – An Opportunity for the Future!”, aimed at supporting the Yasawi Endowment Fund.

The forum continued with a plenary session. Participants shared their views on the university’s formative period during the 1990s, its role in developing Kazakh–Turkish relations, the contribution of its first graduates to its history, and its current mission and strategic priorities.

The event continued with panel sessions entitled “Akhmet Yassawi Alumni: From a Diploma to Responsibility to Society” and “Continuity of Generations: Tradition, Development and the Future.” During the sessions, graduates and students exchanged experiences and discussed professional networking and ways to strengthen cooperation with the university.

The forum also featured a ceremony presenting the “Outstanding Alumnus of Akhmet Yassawi University” award and the Rector’s Certificates of Honour. These prestigious distinctions were presented to outstanding graduates who contribute to the country’s development and enhance the university’s reputation.

The concluding part of the forum continued with a gala concert. University performers and alumni took to the stage, creating a festive atmosphere for the audience.

Thus, the Third Alumni Forum, held as part of the university’s anniversary celebrations, became an important platform not only for reflecting on the institution’s history but also for uniting graduates around shared goals, exchanging experience and contributing to the university’s future development.