A Decade of Innovation: AUCA Celebrates 10 Years as an Independent Institution

On November 12, in recognition of 10 years as an independent institution, AUCA kicked off a year-long celebration with a very special anniversary ceremony combined with the tenth annual freshman Initiation. AUCA students, families, friends and distinguished guests gathered in the ornate concert hall of the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theater to reflect upon the rich history of the University and usher in its bright future.

In 1997, by decree of the President of Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz-American School, then a department within the Kyrgyz State National University since 1993, became the independent American University in Kyrgyzstan (AUK). AUK was soon recognized internationally as the only university in Central Asia based on the American liberal arts tradition of academic freedom and critical inquiry. To reflect the University’s expanded mission and future vision, in 2002, the Board of Trustees and the President of Kyrgyzstan decided to change the name to reflect the University’s regional significance – the American University of Central Asia.

“On November 12, 1997 AUCA (then AUK) became an independent institution of higher learning dedicated to academic excellence. From the outset, our University introduced an innovative curriculum based on critical thinking and freedom of expression that generated educational reform and developed imaginative and entrepreneurial leaders for the new century,” remarked Ellen Hurwitz, AUCA President in her address at the recent anniversary celebration.

“In a relatively short period of time the University has earned a strong reputation for its insistence upon critical inquiry and intellectual freedom while fostering innovation and opposing corruption,” wrote financier and philanthropist George Soros, an AUCA founder, in his address to the AUCA community. “I urge the University to remain a bastion of intellectual freedom as you educate a promising and essential new generation of leaders for the region.”

Nearly 400 AUCA freshmen, their families and guests will not soon forget this special evening as they were taking their seats behind the orchestra pit with little knowledge of the many surprises and fun that awaited them during the ceremony.

The anniversary celebration and the initiation event, unlike other ceremonial events at AUCA, focused less on formal speeches and rituals and offered more pure entertainment for the enjoyment of students and their families. The first surprise of the evening was the announcement of the U.S. Embassy’s new and significant pool of scholarships to support the most well-rounded students at AUCA.

The Ambassador’s Scholars Fund scholarships will cover all four years of study for eight AUCA students, selected for their academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and leadership potential.

“The quality of AUCA graduates, after only 10 years since the University’s founding, is testament to its academic innovation, rigor, and excellence. I challenge you to find another university in the world, which, in so little time, has sent so many of its graduates to leadership positions in private enterprise, civil society, and public service,” remarked U.S. Ambassador in the Kyrgyz Republic Marie Yovanovitch. In keeping with tradition, the U.S. ambassador in the Kyrgyz Republic participated in the Initiation ceremony to honor the freshmen.

Immediately after this last official moment was over, students and families were offered the final and most impressive surprise – a well-rehearsed, two-hour song, dance and humor-packed cabaret that showcased the tremendous talents of dozens of AUCA students and staff.

The 10th anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year and feature a host of academic and celebratory events including conferences, master classes and sports competitions that highlight the ways AUCA continues as a vibrant intellectual and social community developing people and ideas that make a difference in the region.