On December 8, AlmaU launched the Week of Celebrations dedicated to the official Birthday of the University – December 12. This year, AlmaU marks a special date – its 37th anniversary, the symbolic müshel jas, and opens a new stage of development under the slogan “Reboot 3.7.”
The ceremonial opening began with a speech by the President of AlmaU, Assylbek Kozhakhmetov:
“We intend to become the intellectual hub of the entire Central Asia. As early as next year, AlmaU will host the Presidents of universities from around the world. All flags are welcome here. This will become our reality. We are holding this event under the name International Association of University Presidents.”
As part of the event, special words of gratitude were extended to the staff and faculty members who have made an invaluable contribution to the development of AlmaU over many years. These are people whose dedication to their profession and love for the university have become an important part of its history. This year, AlmaU honored colleagues who have been working at the university for 20 years – since 2005.
AlmaU Honorees:
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Zhanisbekov Gabit Shokanovich – Technical Worker, Campus Operations and Development Department
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Karzhalov Tanat Toletaevich – Technical Worker, Campus Operations and Development Department
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Kasen Nurgul Kadibekkyzy – Head of the Document Processing Center
- Galiya Ismakovna Karimova, Senior Language Instructor at the Tolyq Adam Institute
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Serikbayeva Zhanna Dauletkeldyevna – Assistant Professor, School of Digital Technologies and Economics
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Ogay Dmitry Valeryevich – Professor of Practice, School of Digital Technologies and Economics
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Omarova Assel Bagdatovna – Head of the Chancellery
AlmaU Awards 2025: A New Level of Project Evaluation
The annual AlmaU Awards ceremony this year was held in an updated format. The evaluation of projects was based on the AB Matrix, which makes it possible to see not only the result, but also the deeper meaning, social impact, and sustainability of initiatives. The award nominations reflect the five key pillars of AlmaU: Meaningful, Educational, Stand Service, Impactful, and Sustainable.
Winners of AlmaU Awards 2025
MEANINGFUL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
- Institute of Education with the project “Rectors’ Club”
EDUCATIONAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
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School of Management and Tourism with the project “XVII Republican Subject Olympiad in the Educational Program ‘Restaurant and Hospitality Management’”
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School of Digital Technologies & Economics with the project “Oqulabs”
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Special Mention: Vladimir Vladimirovich Matsov, Senior Lecturer, Graduate School of Business, with the project “AI Transformation: A Digital Intelligence Practicum in Education”
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Special Mention: School of Digital Technologies & Economics with the project “Dual Degree Program with the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Software Development and Information Security”
IMPACTFUL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
- Laboratory of Neuromarketing and Neuromanagement with the project “Pop-Up Lab: Science Beyond Walls”
- Quality Assurance Office with the project “We Ignite Stars”
SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Project group: Ardak Balykbayeva, Ajar Serikkaliyeva, Kamran Guseinov, Aizhan Aryn, Serik Beisembaev, Zhanel Rymtai with the project
“AlmaU Trust Barometer: Trust and Social Capital of the Youth of Kazakhstan”
Special Mention:
- Zhaniya Khaibullina, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, for her proactivity and commitment to the ideas of the competition
STAND SERVICE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
- Nurgul Kassen, Head of the Document Processing Center, with the project “Strength in Support”
- Department of Information Technology and Digitalization with the project “Digital Transformation of AlmaU: Launch of the Unified AlmaUNI Ecosystem”
We congratulate all the winners and express our gratitude to all the teams for their contribution to the development of AlmaU!