On October 15, 2016, a graduation ceremony for Khazar University’s 40^th and 41^st classes was held at the Opera Studio of Baku Music Academy. The university administration, faculty, staff, students, parents and visitors attended the event. The ceremony began with the National Hymn of the Azerbaijan Republic.

Dr. Hassan Niknafs, President of Khazar University, congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their future lives.

In Khazar University’s 25-year history, it has graduated 2944 bachelors and 616 master’s students (including the 293 bachelors and 42 master’s students graduating today). Of those, 767 earned honors diplomas.

A slideshow about Khazar University’s history was shown, followed by the reading of a thank-you letter from the graduating class to the university administration.

Then Eldar Hamidov, President of Khazar University Alumni Association and Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Baku JSC Executive Board, gave a speech in which he noted that the education and skills attained at Khazar University create opportunities for them to achieve success in their careers. Graduates work in government positions and private companies; they drive change and many of them establish their own companies.

On behalf of parents, Elshan Zeynalov made a speech to thank the university administration and faculty.

Then diplomas were presented to graduates by Professor Hamlet Isaxanli, the founder of Khazar University and Chairman of its Board of Directors and Trustees; Dr. Hasan Niknafs, President of the University; Dr. Isakhan Isakhanli, Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs; Professor Mahammad Nuriyev, Vice President of Khazar University for Academic Affairs; deans of schools; chairs of departments; and instructors presented diplomas. University veteran Nana Kalantarli also participated in handing out diplomas. She made a speech announcing that she was ending her service to the university and thanking the university collective. Hamlet Isaxanli highly appraised Nana Kalantarli’s work and thanked her.

After diplomas were presented, graduates took the Khazar University oath and took group pictures.

Professor Hamlet Isaxanli made a speech about the favorable educational environment at the university, saying that it not only prepares high-quality specialists, but also raises up a well-rounded young generation. The university distinguishes itself on international rankings and constantly takes first place among Azerbaijani universities because of its hard-working staff, extended network of international partnerships with leading world universities, and constant improvement of its facilities. He also spoke about the university’s future plans.

The ceremony ended with a performance of the university’s Department of Music and Fine Arts. The concert included performances by Associate Professor Zulfiyya Sadigova, Department Chair and piano soloist; Meritorious Artist Farid Aliyev, soloist for the M.F. Akhundov Academic Opera and Ballet Theater; Mahsati Jabbarova, master’s student of Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory, soloist for M.Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic and Khazar University instructor;  boys’ and girls’ student dance groups (directed by Khazar University instructors Sabina Ismayilova and Meritorious Artist Telman Aliyev) and the university’s dance ensemble.