The Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management /FaGEEM/ of the Technical University – Sofia celebrates its 35th anniversary

The stylish celebration marking the anniversary took place in the "Planet Schwarz" hall and brought together the academic leadership of TU - Sofia, business partners, teachers, excited parents, graduates, and many friends. The moderator of the event was BNT journalist Boyko Vasilev, who emphasized the significance of the faculty for TU - Sofia.

FaGIOPM was established in 1990 under an intergovernmental agreement between Bulgaria and Germany and at the time became a real sensation for higher education in our country, as it offered its students the unique opportunity to obtain diplomas valid not only in Bulgaria but also in Germany. Throughout all these years, the faculty has been funded by the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, thanks to which modern laboratories and classrooms have been built and mobility for teachers and students has been ensured. In its activities, FaGIOPM is supported by the Embassy of Germany in Bulgaria and by leading German and Bulgarian companies.  

Today, FaGIOPM is a symbol of quality, innovation, and a strong link with industry. Thanks to the partnership with leading universities and companies from Germany, training according to German curricula and internships in a real working environment are ensured. A guarantee of the German quality of education is the participation of German teachers in the educational process – from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Braunschweig University of Technology, FOM University of Economics and Management, Essen, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg. Students have the opportunity to study at partner universities. Bulgarian teachers also contribute, actively cooperating with their German colleagues and exchanging knowledge and experience.  

Thanks to this partnership, top-level training is provided, opening doors for many young people to their dream profession, desired work environment, and successful professional realization in Europe and the world. Over 35 years, FaGIOPM has trained 2,222 students, including foreigners, and many of its graduates hold high positions at the head of German companies in Bulgaria, as well as responsible positions in many companies in the Federal Republic of Germany itself.

FaGIOPM has established itself as a leading faculty within the structure of the Technical University – Sofia. Interest in the Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management of the Technical University – Sofia remains a fact – with its attractive specialties: Mechatronics and Information Technology, Computer Systems and Technologies, Business Informatics, Industrial Management, and Business Administration.

During the official part of the event, greetings to the audience were delivered by the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Dr. Eng. Marin Marinov, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria – H.E. Irene Maria Planck,

Prof. Dr. Eng. Lidia Galbova, Deputy Rector for "International Activities and Integration" at TU - Sofia,

the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of FacGFIOPM, Dr. Mitko Vasilev, honorary doctor of TU - Sofia, Stefan Binefeld from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), as well as the Chief Executive Officer of Schwartz IT Bulgaria – Mikhail Petrov, host of the ceremony.

Congratulatory addresses were also presented by partner universities in the person of Prof. Dr. Matthias Kluge from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Prof. Dr. Thomas Hoepel from the University of Economics and Management (FOM), Essen, Dr. Carolina Bonmasar from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) and Jonas Klerchen from Braunschweig University of Technology.

The academic leadership and board of trustees of FacGFIOPM awarded the jubilee plaque for exceptional contribution to the development of the faculty to the Rector of TU - Sofia Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov and Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Králov, coordinator for strategic development of TU – Sofia.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bulgaria - H.E. Irene Maria Plank was awarded the Jubilee Medal and Certificate. 

The Deputy Rector of FOM, Essen Prof. Dr. Thomas Hoepel and the Deputy Chancellor for Research at FOM, Essen Eng. Christoph Hohof were also awarded the Jubilee Medal and Certificate.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) was awarded a medal and certificate, and Stefan Binefeld received a personal award. He is the Head of the Department of Transnational Educational and Corporate Programs at DAAD.

Markus Kröger, CEO of Commerzbank AD Bulgaria and member of the Board of Trustees of FacGFIOPM, also received the high distinction - Jubilee Medal and Certificate.

A letter of appreciation was also given to the partner companies of the faculty - Schwartz IT Bulgaria and Hörmann Bulgaria.

In tune with the academic atmosphere of the celebration, guests had the opportunity to attend a lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Franz Peter Lang, also an honorary doctor of TU - Sofia, on the topic: "Engineering education, innovations, and creative disruption as a foundation for sustainable growth."

During the celebration, Prof. Lidia Galabova presented diplomas to the graduates, bachelors, and masters. The top students of the graduating class were four, and they received gold medals and certificates for excellent performance during their studies.

Part of the event was also the announcement of the establishment of the Alumni Club of  FaGIOPM.

The ceremony concluded with the opportunity for informal meetings and conversations between German partners, faculty members, graduating students, and guests of the anniversary of the German Faculty at TU - Sofia.