Celebrating Student Excellence at UCA's 2026 Awards Nights in Naryn and Khorog
As the University of Central Asia (UCA) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 and brought its Silver Jubilee year to a close, the Naryn and Khorog campuses came together for the annual Awards Nights—a cherished tradition held on the eve of Graduation that recognises the outstanding achievements of students and the vibrant community that supports them.
The celebrations, attended by Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan and Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chair of the Board of Trustees, brought together students, faculty, families, staff, and distinguished guests to honour academic excellence, leadership, innovation, athletic achievement, community engagement, and the practical impact students have made both on and off campus.
In Khorog, the ceremony began with a minute of silence in memory of the tragic passing of the late Governor of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), Alisher Mirzonabot, his wife, daughter, and two colleagues, in a gesture of respect and remembrance.
Recognising Student Excellence
The 2026 Awards Nights celebrated students whose dedication, perseverance, and achievements exemplify UCA's commitment to developing future leaders for Central Asia and beyond.
Khorog Campus
The following students were recognised for their exceptional accomplishments:
Outstanding Student Athlete
- Ghulomhusein Marodbekov, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Maria Kousar, Global Economics
Outstanding Community Service
- Shahnoza Fazlonshoeva, Earth and Environmental Sciences
All-Round Leadership
- Yasmina Alibekova, Global Economics
- Fasih Uddin, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Best Diploma Research
- Global Economics: Zeeshan Ali
- Earth and Environmental Sciences: Anara Zainab
Outstanding Graduate
- Global Economics: Maria Kousar
- Earth and Environmental Sciences: Anara Zainab
Naryn Campus
Students at the Naryn Campus were also recognised across a wide range of award categories.
Outstanding Student Athlete
- Ali Davlatshoev, Computer Science
- Inessa Baidulloeva, Communications and Media
Outstanding Community Service
- Ayana Supueva, Communications and Media
All-Round Leadership
- Alfiia Zholdosheva, Computer Science
- Faridun Karabozov, Communications and Media
Best Final Year Project
- Communications and Media: Sharora Ismoilshoeva
- Computer Science: Cholpon Ishenbekova
Outstanding Graduate
- Communications and Media: Nurkamal Zhetigenova
- Computer Science: Saadat Orozova
Spotlight on Co-operative Education
A hallmark of the UCA undergraduate experience, the Co-operative Education (Co-op) Programme provides students with valuable professional experience through placements with private companies, public institutions, and development organisations across the region.
Students recognised for outstanding performance in the programme included:
Khorog Campus
Best Co-op Student
- Syed Shujaat Ali, Global Economics
- Shahnoza Fazlonshoeva, Earth and Environmental Sciences
UCA School of Arts and Sciences Co-op Ambassador Award
- Fasih Uddin, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Naryn Campus
Best Co-op Student
- Faridun Karabozov, Communications and Media
- Sultan Toktomambetov, Computer Science
UCA School of Arts and Sciences Co-op Ambassador Award
- Ayana Supueva, Communications and Media
A Celebration of Achievement
The 2026 Awards Nights reflected the values that define the UCA experience—academic excellence, leadership, creativity, service, and a commitment to making a positive impact in communities across Central Asia.
UCA congratulates all award recipients and wishes them every success as they begin the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys. Their achievements exemplify the talent, determination, and sense of purpose that have characterised UCA throughout its Silver Jubilee year and will continue to shape its future.
