American University in Bulgaria - AUBG

Investment Challenge Vol. 3 brought together students for an immersive, high-pressure simulation of real-world investing.

Organized by the Investment Management Club at the American University in Bulgaria, the event challenged teams to build comprehensive investment cases on S&P 500 companies including valuation models, sensitivity analyses, and final recommendations, while adapting to multiple unexpected market developments.

Over three days, participants experienced firsthand the rigor, uncertainty, and resilience required in the field of finance. Their work was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges Julian Darby, Strahil Sabev, and Yonko Chuklev who brought deep expertise across academia, financial management, and strategic operations.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/49srSpU

Before graduation, every student stands at the edge of the unknown. Some have a plan. Others simply take the leap.

For AUBG alumni, that moment became the beginning of journeys shaped by courage, curiosity, and the confidence to build something meaningful. From uncertainty to impact, their stories show how the lives they once imagined have turned into the ones they’ve created, supported along the way by a strong and connected community like the AUBG Alumni Association - AAA.

No two paths are the same, but they all carry one thing in common: the foundation of an AUBG education and the belief that you can make a difference.

Read their stories and see where an AUBG journey can lead: https://bit.ly/4wsMPv9

The Honors Convocation 2026 was a night dedicated to excellence and the people who make it possible.

We celebrated the achievements, dedication, and impact of students and faculty who define what it means to be part of the AUBG community. From academic distinction to leadership and service, their stories reflect the purpose behind everything we do.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4erbIk5

Wrapping up the academic year with enthusiasm and a strong sense of scholarly unity, the 20th Fellowship of the Mind Conference at AUBG was an inspiring culmination of research excellence! There were over 30 captivating papers presented, and Radko Mishev was the distinguished recipient of the Stefanija Aleksova’s Best Paper Prize. The key note speaker of the event was prof. Crombois.

Here's to the unwavering pursuit of knowledge that defines our community!

Senior student Maria B. Hristova is the AUBG’s 2026 Presidential Medalist.

Maria Hristova stands as a remarkable embodiment of the ideals honored by the AUBG Presidential Medal – academic excellence, creative inquiry, civic engagement, and a deep commitment to shaping a more informed and just society.

Maria’s journey to AUBG itself is a testament to her talent and determination. She shone on the stage of the AUBG MultiTalent Quest, earning a full scholarship through the generous support of the AUBG alumus Dilyan Pavlov ('95) – an early recognition of the promise she continues to fulfill today.

Throughout her academic journey, Maria has demonstrated exceptional intellectual rigor, pursuing a demanding double major in Business Administration and Journalism & Mass Communication while maintaining an academic record just 0.01 shy of perfection. From presenting research at the Fellowship of the Mind to expanding her global perspective during her exchange at “Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University” in Japan, she has consistently sought to challenge herself and engage deeply with ideas across cultures and disciplines.

Maria’s commitment to civic engagement is both sustained and impactful. Through her work with “Teach For Bulgaria” and “Teach For All”, she has contributed to educational policy initiatives, research development, and public communication, supporting programs that expand access to quality education.

She has led 33 media literacy workshops for high school students, empowering younger generations to think critically, and has organized nationwide screenings of socially impactful documentaries, using storytelling as a tool for awareness and change. Her involvement in projects such as the “Feminist Documentary Laboratory” further reflects her dedication to amplifying diverse voices and fostering inclusive narratives.

Beyond her formal roles, Maria brings together creativity and purpose in distinctive ways. She is currently contributing to the creation of a Bulgarian sitcom, demonstrating both initiative and the courage to enter and shape collaborative creative spaces.

On campus, Maria has been a dedicated mentor and leader. As a Student Advisor and Subject Tutor, she has guided her peers with clarity, patience, and care – supporting students across disciplines and helping them navigate their academic journeys with confidence. Her work reflects not only excellence, but generosity – a willingness to invest her time and energy in the growth and success of others.

Looking ahead, Maria is driven by a vision of education as a cornerstone of an open and just society. She plans to pursue an Erasmus Mundus International Master’s program in Children’s Literature, Media, and Cultural Entrepreneurship, with the goal of working at the intersection of educational policy and children’s literacy.

Maria B. Hristova represents the very best of AUBG – a warm and inspiring model of excellence, integrity, and purpose – whose journey calls others to aspire, to learn, to lead, and to make a difference.