In the dimly lit hall of the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace, all spotlights focused on the center stage. As "Gaudeamus", the classic student anthem, echoed through the hall, KIMEP's Class of 2025 graduates made their entrance, one by one, dressed in elegant black gowns, vibrant sashes, and traditional academic caps. As they made their way to their seats, all sounds blended into a single symphony - the rhythmic tapping of heels on the floor, the hymn, the excited exclamations of students, and the supportive applause of their relatives filling the vast space of the Sports Palace. The graduation ceremony of KIMEP felt like something out of Hogwarts - it had the same magical atmosphere and sense of high academic achievement. ER10 Media’s editorial team had the privilege of attending the event, witnessing hundreds of students spreading their wings as they stepped boldly into adulthood and the next chapter of their lives.
A speech that inspires and moves to tears
Graduation day is filled with excitement for many. An old chapter has come to an end, and now it’s time to open a new page of life. On such a day, it is essential for graduates to receive encouraging guidance, which is why the KIMEP administration invited an honored alumna, Kamila Lukpanova, to deliver the speech. Kamila, an expert in project and strategic management and targeted marketing with over 10 years of experience, has launched large-scale nationwide projects, modernized the city libraries network in Almaty, rural libraries in Western Kazakhstan, and currently heads the Almaty Tourism Bureau. In ER10 Media’s New Year special project, you can learn more about Kamila Lukpanova’s work and her views on marketing. Kamila’s speech deeply moved the graduates:
It is a great honor for me to stand before you today as an honored graduate of my alma mater, which was the starting point of my journey - a university that gave me not only knowledge but also faith in the power of an individual. I remember how, after the 2009 graduation ceremony, my friends and I walked away fully confident that we could do anything. I remember how our thinking and sense of scale developed, how we learnt to think critically, communicate as equals, and see not only the problems but also the opportunities. This forms the foundation of the most important quality that KIMEP instills in its students - useful leadership. It's not about status or ambition, but about a conscious readiness to take responsibility for change. It's about the ability to influence beneficially for the team, society, and country.
Today, Kazakhstan is a country of opportunities, but also a country of challenges. You, graduates, become the generation capable and obliged to influence the future. Influence at the national level begins with influence at the level of one project, one team, one decision. Don’t be afraid of your desires; experiment. Some of you will start businesses with fair working conditions, some will create startups that transform daily life. Others will develop new government initiatives affecting policy, sustainability, culture, digitalization. Some will build bridges between Kazakhstan and the world. And in all these scenarios, echoes of KIMEP will proudly resonate - in your approaches, values, and vision.
I urge you to think not only about your career but also about your contribution - not only 'What can I get?' but also 'What can I give?' Don’t be afraid of big goals, especially if they stem not from ego but from a sincere desire to be useful. We live in an era where one person with a clear idea and good intention can change the system and the whole world. For this to happen, you need foundation and courage. KIMEP gave us the foundation; courage is your choice. Ensure your diploma doesn't gather dust on a shelf but becomes part of your toolkit for change. Create projects that transform cities and villages, help people create ideas, and contribute to the country you want to live in. Remember, true leadership is genuine power - it is not always loud, but always noticeable. It builds trust, creates impact, and inspires others.
Alongside Kamila Lukpanova, current KIMEP graduates also delivered valedictory speeches - in three languages.
- “It’s time to open a new page of life and summarize our growth, self-discovery, and choose our next path. Studying at KIMEP taught me to listen to myself, approach everything with an open heart, and stay true to myself. I understood the value of truth. There were challenges, of course, but they provided experience and opened new opportunities. Moreover, there were people guiding me and believing in me. Professors became my mentors and significantly influenced my personal development. KIMEP contributed not just to us as professionals but as citizens. KIMEP lit a flame within us, guiding us into the future,” said Olzhas Abenov, graduate of the International Relations faculty, in Kazakh.
- "Today we say goodbye to the university - a place to which, I am sure, we will return in our thoughts repeatedly. Sometimes student years seem like a short episode between youth and adult life, but the further we move from these walls, the clearer we understand the university was a whole era filled with warmth, meaning, mistakes, discoveries, and, most importantly, people. We often rushed, but looking back, we realize each moment was priceless. Our path wasn’t always easy: the pandemic turned our familiar world upside down. We studied through screens and learned to appreciate ordinary things. We didn’t always know who we’d become, but we moved forward together. Dorm neighbors became family, classmates - comrades," said Ailana Alimkhanova, graduate of the Cognitive Sciences program, in Russian.
- “Standing before you today, I carry not only my name but the hopes of all generations before me. I became the first woman in my family to study abroad. I vividly remember July 19, 2021 - the day I received the letter changing my life completely. I received a full scholarship to KIMEP. This marked a new reality where dreams became possible. Four years ago, sitting at the airport in Tajikistan with a one-way ticket, I had no idea what my future held. Now, I am thrilled by how KIMEP guided, nurtured, and raised me. If I had to choose just one thing I’m grateful to the university for, it would be its belief that anyone can become anything. I thank all professors who helped me through challenges, especially Dr. Bang, who provided immense support, and my parents who sacrificed a lot for me to stand here today,” said Mariambonu Fazliddinzoda, graduate of Bang School of Business, in English.
After the heartfelt speeches, the ceremony continued with the awarding of diplomas. Students stepped onto the stage, shook hands with their professors, and received tangible recognition of their efforts, knowledge, and academic achievements. All of this unfolded to the accompaniment of fanfares and enthusiastic applause. Our editorial team managed to interview several graduates and learn what kind of foundation KIMEP has given them.
Graduates, their impressions, and plans
Kamalidin Baysalbaev, graduate of the Bang School of Business: “KIMEP gave me the fundamentals of communicating with people, and skills in business, finance, and history. But most of all, I am grateful to the university for its community and friends. My plans for the future start with work and, most likely, lead to running my own business. As an intern I was offered 200,000 tenge, but my salary expectations are higher.”
Aizat Aizharikkyzy, graduate of the Management program: “This summer I’m going to help with my parents’ business; they manufacture furniture, and I already work there. After that I plan to find a job in large companies. Even now I’m receiving offers from major firms, with salaries ranging from 500,000 tenge to 1,200,000 tenge. KIMEP taught me how to communicate with people and to think critically and creatively.”
Ailana Alimkhanova, graduate of the Cognitive Science program: “KIMEP provided me with a tremendous foundation for both personal and career growth. I’m grateful to the university for all of my friends. Next, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and then work. My dream is to study the human brain. My salary expectations are high; my mother invested a lot in my education, and I need to ‘pay back’ that investment.”
Fariha Bolat, graduate of the Social Studies master’s program, originally from China: “KIMEP gave me encouragement, courage, and a new path toward a brighter future. I’m an English-language instructor and intend to continue my career after graduation, enhancing my qualifications. I’ve already received job offers from various institutions.”
Professors and their contribution
Of course, many of the graduates’ achievements stem from the wise guidance of their professors. KIMEP’s administration presented honorary diplomas to the faculty for their contributions, and we, in turn, spoke with one of them. Timur Akishev, Assistant Professor of Linguistics in the College of Education and Humanities, said:
“KIMEP offers students many opportunities, from internships and exchange programs, to strong theoretical and practical knowledge. I’m very proud to be part of such an organization. I’ve observed many innovations in KIMEP’s education system in recent years: the use of cutting-edge technologies and the integration of AI into learning. In our college, for example, students learn to work effectively with AI tools for studying, teaching, and more.”
Only forward!
From now on, KIMEP graduates will need to put into practice everything they learned within these university walls. They leave not only as former students filled with excitement, dreams but also a touch of sadness. Each graduate remains grateful to the university for contributing not only to professional growth but also to personal development. Almost every speech included thanks to Dr. Bang for his principles and expertise, which have elevated KIMEP to such a high level. We invite you to watch ER10 Media’s film about the phenomenal Dr. Chan Young Bang and learn about his journey. We also wish you the courage to dream boldly, live with an open heart, and create change with your own hands!
To immerse yourself in the magic of the diploma ceremony, watch the ER10 Media video.
