Constructor University honors latest 13 Bolashak graduates at vibrant ceremony

Constructor University honored the 13 latest graduates to complete faculty development and professional training at its Bremen campus through Kazakhstan’s Bolashak International Scholarship program. The graduation ceremony held August 13 was attended by university leadership, faculty and distinguished guests, further strengthening a growing partnership between Kazakhstan and Constructor University to promote cross-cultural exchange, global knowledge transfer and leadership development.

Established in 1993 by the President of Kazakhstan, the Bolashak International Scholarship provides Kazakh citizens with opportunities for advanced study and professional training abroad. The program supports master's, doctoral and postdoctoral studies, as well as professional development internships. It is widely recognized for shaping Kazakhstan's future leaders and contributing to the country's long-term development goals.

"The Bolashak program represents an ambitious idea: that by giving talented researchers and professionals the opportunity to work in international environments, encounter new ideas, and develop new capabilities, a country invests not simply in individual careers, but in the knowledge, skills and institutions that will shape its future," said Constructor University Provost Dr. Frazer Cairns in his remarks at the ceremony.

"New knowledge becomes more valuable when it is shared. A new research technique brought back to a laboratory can influence dozens of colleagues; a new approach to teaching can benefit hundreds of students. In this way, the impact of each Bolashak scholar can extend far beyond the individual. And, over time, these individual journeys can combine to contribute to stronger universities, better research, more innovation, a more competitive economy, and greater shared understanding."

Building community, bridging cultures

The ceremony included special cultural performances featuring traditional Kazakh music and dance, as well as speeches from university leadership, and the faculty and supervisors who supported the cohort throughout their academic journey.

In their addresses, graduates reflected on the quality of their academic experience at Constructor University, including lectures, seminars, access to university facilities and close cooperation with supervisors. The program also included multiple off-campus activities intended to connect academic learning to industry, science communication and the school system. Sites visited included the Mercedes-Benz plant, Universum Bremen and a local school.

Bolashak Graduate Kalampyr Zhumagulova reflected on a particularly meaningful experience, when the group attended the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp Memorial dedicated to Kazakhstanis. "We are proud that we took part in this important ceremony on behalf of Kazakhstan. We honored the memory of our ancestors and paid tribute to their memory," said Zhumagulova.

Professor Anna Tevyashova, who supervised several Bolashak scholars, shared her perspective on the program. "It was a real privilege to supervise the Bolashak interns and speak at the graduation ceremony, especially since I have personal roots in Kazakhstan. In our lab, the focus was on the patient, repetitive work of testing antifungal compounds—a process where progress only comes from persistence. I was honored to celebrate the graduation and can't wait to see the impact these researchers make next."

International experience with local impact

The cultural performances gave participants an opportunity to share Kazakhstan's cultural heritage with the Constructor University community and complemented the academic program with a strong element of intercultural exchange.

"You now form part of a network connecting Kazakhstan with Germany and with researchers and institutions around the world," Dr. Cairns told the graduates. "In doing so, you become not only researchers and professionals, but bridges between institutions and between countries."

Participants emphasized that they are returning to Kazakhstan not only with new knowledge and research projects, but also new professional connections and a commitment to further strengthen the academic and cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and a group photograph, followed by a networking reception that brought graduates together with university leaders and faculty. As the celebration drew to a close, the event reaffirmed Constructor University's enduring commitment to global partnerships that empower scholars, build bridges between cultures and support positive societal change.

Image Below: Bolashak graduate Kalampyr Zhumagulova performs the traditional Kazakh song "Jelsiz Tünde Jarıq Ay" by renowned poet, philosopher and cultural icon Abai Qunanbaiuly during the ceremony. (source: Constructor University)