NU Class of 2021 online graduation ceremony: 1155 degrees were conferred

NU’s seventh graduation ceremony has taken place in Nur-Sultan online. 1155 Bachelor, Master, and PhD degrees were conferred to the 7th cohort of NU graduates.

This year, the founder of the University, Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev virtually addressed the graduates. In his video message he emphasized the importance of the development of human capital.

“From the first days of Independence, we as a country set high goals for ourselves, and the opening of a university like NU has become another milestone in our history. Today, NU graduates work for the benefit of our country. Since ancient times, the future of civilization has always depended on human beings. Today you bear a great responsibility for the future of the country”, said Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Congratulating students with making it to the end of their studies, President Katsu highlighted the importance of resilience and agility amplified in the past one and a half years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In his speech, President Katsu emphasized the role of NU in the development of the country’s economy, as the University is looked upon  as a driving force for effective reforms.

“NU is perceived as a national incubator. We are tasked with pioneering and testing new models for Kazakhstan’s future economy, the economy that will be less dependent on commodity exports and more diversified. As graduates, as future leaders of Kazakhstan, you will have to carry the torch and translate our ambitions into reality. Many people will doubt you, they will think your dreams are outsized, but do not let others define you, as only you can define yourself”, said President Katsu.

Provost Adesida congratulated the graduates on their high achievements. In his address, Provost Ilesanmi Adesida reminded the attendees of the NU graduates’ attributes.

“We challenge you to remain intellectually agile, to remain curious, creative and open-minded. And we remind you that open-minded people are magnanimous people”, said Provost Adesida.

1155 graduates received their diplomas today. These are the future leaders of the country: ambitious, curious and self-propelling young people, ready to apply their knowledge for the benefit of Kazakhstan.

Aruzhan Meirkhanova, NU SSH class of 2021 graduate, is about to continue her studies at Harvard University. She addressed her fellow students and faculty members, thanking them for their support. 

“Each of us will have a unique story to write onwards. However, I am very proud to have shared a great part of my story with the NU community and with you, dear graduates! Within these walls, we learn to think critically, to develop sustainable and creative solutions to problems of the day, to ask questions – thought-provoking, sometimes uncomfortable yet extremely valuable and relevant”, said Aruzhan Meirkhanova.