S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University held a meeting devoted to the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The meeting was opened by Serik Omirbayev, the Rector of S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor. “It gives me immense pleasure to heartily congratulate you on Independence Day, the most significant holiday for all citizens of our country, the symbol of unity and harmony. This year, we have made some notable achievements in the field of education and research. Our team, as well as members of all HEIs throughout the country, makes a worthy contribution to the prosperity of independent Kazakhstan,” said Serik Omirbayev.

The Vice-Rector for Development Strategy, Education and Social Affairs, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor Arman Akishev presented awards to a number of academics and support staff members of the University for many years of faithful work and contribution to the development of education and science in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Among these awards were the badges of Honorary Worker of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Y. Altynsarin, S. Toraighyrov Gold Medals, diplomas and letters of appreciation from the Rector.

Kayrat Battalov, the Head of the Department of History of Kazakhstan, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, made a report on the historical significance of Kazakhstan's independence. “Freedom and independence were the age-old dream of our people. Our ancestors dreamed about it and fought for it. We made it real. To preserve and multiply the achievements made over the years of Independece is the main task for the younger generation,” said Kairat Battalov.

Then there was a ceremony of awarding activists of the Nevada - Semey movement, who received medals commemorating the 25th anniversary of the international movement. Nurlan Yerzhanov, the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, noted that it was a personal request by Olzhas Suleymenov, who asked to reward his colleagues who have made a significant contribution to development of the anti-nuclear movement in the Pavlodar region.

There was also a concert featuring Yerbol Aytbayev, an honoured artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Shanyrak Sazy folklore ensemble, the Cherniyaz dancing crew, violin ensemble, the Saltanat band, as well as soloists of the University Philharmonic (Galiya Yerbol and Nurzhan Sarkambayev).

It should be noted that on the eve of the Independence Day, S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University received a letter of appreciation for active participation in the implementation of the state regional youth policy from Aryn Orsariyev, the Deputy Akim of the region.

PSU students are regularly involved in various local, regional, national and international events. They won the 2014 Student of the Year national competition (in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year and Patriot of the Year), the DIAMOND team won the 1st prize in the national cheer-leading competition, to name just a few of this year’s accomplishments.

Photo by Rufina Torpischeva