site.btaTrue Learning Happens When Students Challenge Their Teachers, Says Deputy PM Donchev

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev said at the opening of the 2025/2026 academic year at the University of Insurance and Finance (VUZF) on Wednesday that true learning happens when, at some point, students try to surpass or disagree with their teachers.

The ceremony took place in the university’s main hall in the presence of students, faculty, representatives of the academic community, and business leaders. Among the official guests were Levon Hampartzoumian, member of the VUZF Board of Trustees and chair of the management board of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum, and Nikolay Stanchev, CEO and chair of the management board of Generali Insurance.

Donchev noted that he stood before the audience with both excitement and a sense of humility, describing himself as just a habilitated lecturer without an academic rank. He congratulated the faculty, saying he was familiar with the joy of meeting students and pupils.

Rector Prof. Boris Velchev highlighted the recent change in the institution’s status: “Just two days ago, the sign at the entrance was replaced. Until then, it read ‘Higher School of Insurance and Finance’; now it reads ‘University of Insurance and Finance’ - the result of nearly a quarter century of effort to turn the school into a fully-fledged university.”

The opening ceremony also included a blessing for a successful academic year, delivered by Archpriest Nikolay Georgiev, who wished the students health and fruitful work.