The 60th anniversary of the establishment of the first medical higher education institution in north-eastern Bulgaria – Medical University "Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov" – Varna was celebrated with exciting festive events on 1 and 2 October.
During the solemn Academic Council "60 Years of MU – Varna", the Rector – Prof. Dr. Valentin Ignatov awarded special distinctions Honorary Plaque "60 Years MU – Varna" to the Rectors of the University, whose terms of office were fulfilled within the time period 1987 to 2021. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Marinov, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Kamburov, Prof. Dr. Temelko Temelkov, Prof. Dr. Aneliya Klisarova and Prof. Dr. Krasimir Ivanov were awarded with the high distinction and in recognition of their special merits, for overall contribution to the development of MU – Varna and its establishment as a leading educational institution in the field of medical specialties and sciences.
During the event the Metropolitan of Varna and Veliki Preslav Yoan honoured the Rector of MU – Varna Prof. Dr. Valentin Ignatov and the Director of UMHAT "St. Marina" – Varna Prof. Dr. Silva Andonova with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called (the Order of Sveti Apostol Andrey Parvozvani). His Eminence awarded the highest distinction of the Varna and Veliko Preslav Diocese for outstanding merit both on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Medical University – Varna and in connection with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the University Hospital.
During the Academic Council, the National Council of the Bulgarian Red Cross awarded the Gold Medal for Merit "BRC" to Medical University – Varna. The award was presented to Prof. Ignatov by Prof. Krasimir Gigov - General Director of the Bulgarian Red Cross.
The festive programme on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the University continued with scientific symposia organised by the four Faculties and the Medical College of MU – Varna, which had prepared a series of interesting lectures, held in a hybrid format.
The ritual "Planting 60 Trees" in Primorski Park in Varna was also part of the events. The Rector Prof. Dr. Valentin Ignatov planted the first of the 60 trees and placed a jubilee plaque "60 Years of MU – Varna" in front of the tree on the square in the vicinity of the Summer Theatre. The rest of the jubilee trees were planted in eight different locations in Primorski Park – Varna by the student community and representatives of the four Faculties of the University, Medical College – Varna, University Hospital "St. Marina" – Varna and Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment in Ophthalmology – Varna. The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor Mr. Kosta Bazitov, whereas the initiative was financially supported by Varna Municipality.
To treasure the memory for the future generations, the Rector inaugurated a jubilee plaque at the central entrance of MU – Varna, which pays deserved tribute to the hundreds of highly educated lecturers and scientists who over the past 60 years have devoted their knowledge, efforts and time to the cause of quality medical education and the pursuit of excellence at Medical University – Varna.
As part of the celebration dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov, the academic community laid flowers in front of the bust of the Patron in the courtyard of the University, and the students from Theatre Class Infarkt (Infarctus) presented an exciting performance, which narrated interesting facts about the personal and professional life of the Patron.
The academic life throughout the whole 2021 has been marked by the 60th anniversary of Medical University – Varna. A jubilee exhibition was opened at the entrance of the Sea Garden in August, which traces the academic, scientific, cultural and sports life of the University since its creation. The exhibition can be seen until 15 October. A number of scientific events have also been held, as well as a competition for children's drawing entitled "The Doctor Is Our Friend".
