UCA Honours Long-Serving Staff as Silver Jubilee Celebrations Conclude

The University of Central Asia (UCA) honoured 52 colleagues with more than two decades of dedicated service during a special Long-Service Awards ceremony held as part of the University's Silver Jubilee celebrations. Together, the recipients account for more than 1,040 years of combined service to the University. Representing campuses and offices in Bishkek, Naryn, Khorog, Dushanbe and Tekeli, they embody the commitment, resilience and shared sense of purpose that have shaped UCA since its founding.

The Long-Service Awards recognised staff from across the University's academic, administrative, research and operational teams, including faculty members, researchers, security personnel, drivers, finance specialists, librarians, instructors, IT professionals and managers. Many joined UCA before the University's campuses welcomed their first undergraduate students, helping to establish the systems, programmes and culture that laid the foundations for the institution's success. Their contributions have helped transform a bold vision into one of the region's leading universities and continue to shape its future as UCA enters its next twenty-five years.

Reflecting on the remarkable contribution of the award recipients, Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chair of UCA's Board of Trustees, said:

"The 52 colleagues we honour this afternoon have each devoted at least twenty years of service to UCA. Collectively, they represent an extraordinary reservoir of experience, knowledge and commitment. Many joined the institution during its formative years. They helped establish offices, programmes and systems. They supported colleagues and students, adapted to changing circumstances, and remained steadfast in their commitment to the University's success."

Opening the ceremony, Chief of Staff Amaan Pardhan reflected on the enduring contribution of colleagues whose dedication has shaped the institution from its earliest years:

"The story of UCA's first twenty-five years cannot be told without recognising the people we honour today. Many have been with UCA since its earliest years, helping to lay the foundations of the University we know today. They have helped build the institution, supported its growth, navigated challenges, adapted to change, and contributed to creating a university that today serves students, communities and countries across Central Asia."

The recipients reflected the breadth and diversity of UCA's community across its three Founding States, representing academic, professional and operational roles that have collectively supported every stage of the University's development.

Reflecting on nearly two decades at UCA, Rahat Akylova, Manager of Academic Affairs at SPCE Naryn, said:

"When our work is recognised, when people trust us and acknowledge SPCE's contribution to education and society, it reinforces the importance of our mission and motivates us to keep moving forward."

Among the award recipients was Gulsha Jumakhonov, Coordinator of the Khorog Centre for Entrepreneurship, who reflected on the University's impact over the years:

"May we all share a future where knowledge changes lives for the better."

Having spent more than two decades at UCA, Raikhan Sissekenova, Manager of Government and Community Relations at SPCE Tekeli, observed:

"What truly defines UCA is its innovative approach: carefully considered steps and a new concept of university development. The main idea is how universities can become drivers of development at several levels – central and local government, local communities in the University's locations – based on real data and a clear focus on results."

The Long-Service Awards marked one of the closing moments of UCA's Silver Jubilee celebrations, recognising that the University's achievements over the past twenty-five years have been made possible by the dedication of its people.

Across classrooms, laboratories, libraries, campuses and communities, these colleagues have helped shape UCA into the institution it is today. As the University begins its next quarter century, their commitment serves as a reminder that lasting institutions are built not only through vision, but through the dedication, professionalism and perseverance of the people who bring that vision to life every day.

Recipients of the UCA Long-Service Awards

Kyrgyz Republic

Bishkek

1. Dilovarsho Butabekov – Director of SPCE
2. Jazgul Nogoibaeva – Payroll Manager
3. Slava Bulgak – Driver
4. Asel Botalieva – Manager of Bishkek Learning Centre
5. Professor Bohdan Krawchenko – Senior Research Fellow and Advisor to the Rector
6. Gulru Sharipova – Senior Finance Analyst
7. Kuban Sydybaev – Associate Director
8. Sergei Evstifeikin – Driver
9. Sergei Shumkov – Driver

Naryn

1. Rahat Akylova – Manager of Academic Affairs
2. Narynbek Sulaimanov – Security Manager / HSE Officer
3. Zhyrgalbek Shaiymbekov – Campus Security Guard
4. Muratbek Zhakeshov – Senior Security Guard
5. Narynbek Kadyrov – Security Guard

Tajikistan

Dushanbe

1. Parviz Abdullaev – Administrative Manager
2. Lola Mamadalieva – Senior Manager Finance
3. Davlat Marodmamadov – Senior Security Guard
4. Sunatillo Jonboboev – Senior Research Fellow
5. Obidkhon Kurbonkhonov – Lecturer in Humanities
6. Davlatbegim Soibnazarova – English Language Instructor
7. Qurbonasein Odinabekov – ATC Instructor

Khorog

1. Farukhsho Fraidonov – Country Head of SPCE, Tajikistan
2. Farhod Bakhtuljamolov – Administrative Manager
3. Zuhro Jumakhonova – Student Database Operator
4. Ramila Muqairshoeva – Patron and Reference Services Librarian
5. Shavkat Mazabshoev – IT Coordinator
6. Ganjina Khairmamadova – Librarian
7. Dilshodbegim Ahmadshoeva – Cleaner
8. Gulsha Jumakhonov – SME Instructor
9. Nigina Noyobshoeva – Senior Lecturer
10. Shoista Khayolbekova – English Language Instructor
11. Tahmina Mansurova – IT/Math Instructor
12. Hasad Olimnazarov – Security Guard
13. Hasan Davlatnazarov – Security Guard
14. Aslisho Munavvarov – Security Guard
15. Sayod Kholmamadov – Security Guard
16. Zafar Mavlododov – Security Guard
17. Saidnazar Abdurahimov – Security Supervisor
18. Mehrubonsho Nazarbekov – Security Guard
19. Temur Nazrishoev – Security Guard
20. Bahodur Buribekov – Security Guard
21. Muhiddin Mamadnazarov – Security Guard
22. Shamsi Shukrikhudoev – Security Guard
23. Bakhtiyor Baidulloev – Security Guard
24. Nazarmamad Immatshoev – Security Guard
25. Niyoz Dehqonov – Security Supervisor
26. Saidbek Khojanazarov – Security Guard
27. Nazmullo Ainulloev – Mechanic/Driver

Kazakhstan

Tekeli

1. Raikhan Sissekenova – Manager of Government and Community Relations
2. Oleg Lyssenko Jr. – Manager of Administration
3. Muktar Sarmuzinov – IT Officer
4. Sergei Kazanzhi – Driver

To learn more about UCA's Silver Jubilee and read the stories of the staff members who have helped build the University over the past quarter century, visit the Silver Jubilee page.