Nazarbayev University marked a significant milestone this year as it celebrated the 10th anniversary of its graduation ceremonies. Following the university-wide graduation, on June 8, The School of Engineering and Digital Sciences held its individual ceremony and awarded diplomas to 588 students, including 31 international students. This year's graduates included 417 bachelor's, 150 master's, and 21 PhD recipients, with 51 students graduating with honors.
The ceremony was divided into two sessions. In the morning, diplomas were awarded to students in Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, and PhD programs. The afternoon session saw graduates from Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical Materials Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering receiving their diplomas.
Traditionally adhering to the canons of world university ceremonies, this year's event was enriched by performances from engineering graduating students in the NU Orchestra and NU Vocal Club. Dr. Yelyzaveta Arkhangelsky, Dean of the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, highlighted the university's growth and achievements in her welcome speech.
"This year we also celebrate the 10th Nazarbayev University graduation ceremony. Another major milestone we have achieved together. 14 years ago we started from nothing. Today School of Engineering and Digital Sciences is one of the largest schools at Nazarbayev University, with around 2500 students and 22 academic programs.
In 2019 School of Engineering and part of School of Science and Technology were integrated, and from there we started a new chapter in the history of our school. Under the firm leadership of the founding Dean Professor Vassilios Tourassis, we excelled in learning, teaching and research, including the COVID pandemic period. Today, we are proud to be in the top 30% of universities in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking and the number one university in Kazakhstan," Dr. Arkhangelsky said.
She also expressed gratitude towards the university administration and leadership, particularly Acting President and Provost Professor Ilesanmi Adesida. "Without your inspiring and strategic leadership, this day would not have been possible," she added.
Akmaral Agibayeva, a PhD graduate in Civil Engineering, reflected on her 12-year journey at the university, during which she completed her bachelor's, master's, and now her PhD. "This place has given me so much more than just education; it has provided me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, shaping me into the person I am today," she said.
Yerasyl Kadirzhanov, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate and former president of NU Student Government, noted the unique challenges faced by his cohort, who began their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Together, we have gone through pandemics, political crises, leadership changes, and many other events. Yet these events did not prevent us from reaching heights we could not have dreamed of," Kadirzhanov remarked.
Yevgenyi Lukhmanov, a Master of Management graduate, shared his insights on the unique education provided by the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences. "The beauty of a SEDS education is that it teaches you to think like an engineer: break down complex problems, suggest solutions, and iterate until you find the best approach," Luckhmanov stated.
In his address, Aliby Namazbay , a candidate for a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical and Materials Engineering, encouraged graduates to embrace the future with courage. "As we look back at our past, we look forward to a future full of opportunities and challenges. The unknown future still gives us many doubts and fears, but we must not forget that these very fears and doubts strengthen our courage," he said.
SEDS has seen a significant rise in degrees conferred over the past five academic years. This year, bachelor's degrees increased to 1,730 from 1,313 the previous year. Likewise, master's degrees grew to 646 compared to 496. The number of PhD degrees awarded rose to 64 from 43. Currently, SEDS boasts almost 2,500 alumni.
The ceremony was divided into two sessions. In the morning, diplomas were awarded to students in Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, and PhD programs. The afternoon session saw graduates from Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical Materials Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering receiving their diplomas.
Traditionally adhering to the canons of world university ceremonies, this year's event was enriched by performances from engineering graduating students in the NU Orchestra and NU Vocal Club. Dr. Yelyzaveta Arkhangelsky, Dean of the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, highlighted the university's growth and achievements in her welcome speech.
"This year we also celebrate the 10th Nazarbayev University graduation ceremony. Another major milestone we have achieved together. 14 years ago we started from nothing. Today School of Engineering and Digital Sciences is one of the largest schools at Nazarbayev University, with around 2500 students and 22 academic programs.
In 2019 School of Engineering and part of School of Science and Technology were integrated, and from there we started a new chapter in the history of our school. Under the firm leadership of the founding Dean Professor Vassilios Tourassis, we excelled in learning, teaching and research, including the COVID pandemic period. Today, we are proud to be in the top 30% of universities in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking and the number one university in Kazakhstan," Dr. Arkhangelsky said.
She also expressed gratitude towards the university administration and leadership, particularly Acting President and Provost Professor Ilesanmi Adesida. "Without your inspiring and strategic leadership, this day would not have been possible," she added.
Akmaral Agibayeva, a PhD graduate in Civil Engineering, reflected on her 12-year journey at the university, during which she completed her bachelor's, master's, and now her PhD. "This place has given me so much more than just education; it has provided me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, shaping me into the person I am today," she said.
Yerasyl Kadirzhanov, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate and former president of NU Student Government, noted the unique challenges faced by his cohort, who began their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Together, we have gone through pandemics, political crises, leadership changes, and many other events. Yet these events did not prevent us from reaching heights we could not have dreamed of," Kadirzhanov remarked.
Yevgenyi Lukhmanov, a Master of Management graduate, shared his insights on the unique education provided by the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences. "The beauty of a SEDS education is that it teaches you to think like an engineer: break down complex problems, suggest solutions, and iterate until you find the best approach," Luckhmanov stated.
In his address, Aliby Namazbay , a candidate for a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical and Materials Engineering, encouraged graduates to embrace the future with courage. "As we look back at our past, we look forward to a future full of opportunities and challenges. The unknown future still gives us many doubts and fears, but we must not forget that these very fears and doubts strengthen our courage," he said.
SEDS has seen a significant rise in degrees conferred over the past five academic years. This year, bachelor's degrees increased to 1,730 from 1,313 the previous year. Likewise, master's degrees grew to 646 compared to 496. The number of PhD degrees awarded rose to 64 from 43. Currently, SEDS boasts almost 2,500 alumni.