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Remarks by Ambassador John Beyrle at the American College of Sofia Commencement Ceremony

May 22, 2008

President Cangiano, members of the Board of Directors, members of the faculty, distinguished guests, ACS alumni, and today’s graduates:

Thank you for the invitation to be a part of a moment that is so significant in so many lives.  But I want to begin by expressing my congratulations to the parents of these young men and women.  And since so many of you are Bulgarian, allow me to say it to you directly:

Бих искал специално да благодаря на Вас, родителите на абитуриентите, за това, че сте отгледали такива изключителни деца.  Поздравявам ви за куража, наистина заслужавате това, аз ви поздравявам за куража, който сте давали и подкрепата, която сте оказвали на вашите деца, в стремежа ви те да дават винаги най-доброто от себе си.
 
And to the teachers and to the professors at ACS, I also know what pride you feel on this day as well.  I have many teachers in my family, and I know what the demands of your profession are as well.  But I also am one of those people who believes that there’s no higher form of optimism than teaching – and optimists are the people I respect and admire most.

The class of 2008 probably knows that I spoke here last year to the class of 2007.  That was a very inspiring experience, and I’ve actually kept in touch with a lot of those students since then during their first year of university studies.  And in preparing for these brief remarks this afternoon, I actually asked some of them for advice and suggestions by e-mail.  And as I had hoped, they had some good thoughts and lived up to the reputation of ACS producing high-caliber graduates.  (I expect you’ll live up to that reputation, as well.)

The one consistent point that your predecessors shared with me was how they valued the importance of the international education experience that ACS offers.  Not only have you received a top-level education in a wide range of topics that will serve you all over the world, but you also are able to draw upon the international experiences from within the student body.  In this class alone, you have students from Australia, Iceland, Moldova, Switzerland, and the United States; the flags in the hallway say that you were together with students from many other countries as well.

Having this mix of students, this mix of nationalities in your classes, means that you are already better prepared for success in this globally-interconnected world we live in.  I know that the international students here realize the value of this, but it’s also especially important for the Bulgarian students as well, now that Bulgaria is a member of the European Union.  We know that Bulgaria will face important domestic issues in the coming years, but as a member of the EU and NATO, Bulgaria’s international relationships will only grow in importance.

You are coming of age at an exciting time in Bulgaria, in Europe, and in the world.  In Bulgaria, on the economic front, in just the short period as I’ve been here, the economic growth in this country has been substantial.  The political environment especially as seen from the perspective of other less-stable countries in the region looks very stable indeed.  This country can be proud of its participation in NATO and the European Union.  Yes, there are problems in Bulgaria, but these problems are discussed openly, and the pressure for change has forced the government to take action.  That’s the way it is supposed to work in a democracy.  And there are good prospects for many of you to influence even more changes in the years ahead to help your country, to help Bulgaria grow stronger and more prosperous.

You are also coming of age at an exciting time in Europe.  Europe has developed a strong economic market that has improved prosperity around the continent.  Barriers between countries continue to be broken down, and Bulgaria is participating in that process.  This country’s history of tolerance and respect for diversity – the very values that supported the founding of this university almost a century and half ago – all of that can help shape a better future for Europe.  And there is a role for each of you to play in this.  But it is up to you to discover that role.

Finally, you are coming of age at an exciting time in the world.  Global warming, energy issues, even food supplies now are at the top of the international agenda.  I believe that we are on the threshold of bold scientific and technological solutions to some of these issues.  And as you pursue your university studies, you need to consider how you can contribute to the changes that you would like to see in the world.

ACS has given you the kind of discovery-based education that will allow you to take the maximum advantage of these opportunities.  You are privileged to have been students here – you’ll hear that a lot and yes, with that privilege comes responsibility.  You have a responsibility to be productive members of society.  Like me, some of you will end up being public servants, working directly for the government, and I cannot express strongly enough what a great honor it has been to me to serve my country in that way here in Bulgaria.  Others of you will become involved in social issues, perhaps in energy conservation or environmental protection, trying to make the world a cleaner, healthier place and a more beautiful place – although it’s hard to imagine that it can be more beautiful than Bulgaria.  And of course a lot of you will go into the private sector – where you will help produce a product or service that will be valuable in the lives of your fellow citizens.

The point is, no matter what path you choose to follow, a lot is expected of you.  As students at this school, you have had the chance to gain a first-rate education and you have unparalleled knowledge.  Now you have the opportunity to make a real difference in this country, and around the world.  I congratulate you on your accomplishments, but I would hope for keeping in touch with you, too, in the years ahead to see what you’ve made of them.

Thank you.