29/04/2026
Senior student Maria B. Hristova is the AUBG’s 2026 Presidential Medalist.
Maria Hristova stands as a remarkable embodiment of the ideals honored by the AUBG Presidential Medal – academic excellence, creative inquiry, civic engagement, and a deep commitment to shaping a more informed and just society.
Maria’s journey to AUBG itself is a testament to her talent and determination. She shone on the stage of the AUBG MultiTalent Quest, earning a full scholarship through the generous support of the AUBG alumus Dilyan Pavlov ('95) – an early recognition of the promise she continues to fulfill today.
Throughout her academic journey, Maria has demonstrated exceptional intellectual rigor, pursuing a demanding double major in Business Administration and Journalism & Mass Communication while maintaining an academic record just 0.01 shy of perfection. From presenting research at the Fellowship of the Mind to expanding her global perspective during her exchange at “Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University” in Japan, she has consistently sought to challenge herself and engage deeply with ideas across cultures and disciplines.
Maria’s commitment to civic engagement is both sustained and impactful. Through her work with “Teach For Bulgaria” and “Teach For All”, she has contributed to educational policy initiatives, research development, and public communication, supporting programs that expand access to quality education.
She has led 33 media literacy workshops for high school students, empowering younger generations to think critically, and has organized nationwide screenings of socially impactful documentaries, using storytelling as a tool for awareness and change. Her involvement in projects such as the “Feminist Documentary Laboratory” further reflects her dedication to amplifying diverse voices and fostering inclusive narratives.
Beyond her formal roles, Maria brings together creativity and purpose in distinctive ways. She is currently contributing to the creation of a Bulgarian sitcom, demonstrating both initiative and the courage to enter and shape collaborative creative spaces.
On campus, Maria has been a dedicated mentor and leader. As a Student Advisor and Subject Tutor, she has guided her peers with clarity, patience, and care – supporting students across disciplines and helping them navigate their academic journeys with confidence. Her work reflects not only excellence, but generosity – a willingness to invest her time and energy in the growth and success of others.
Looking ahead, Maria is driven by a vision of education as a cornerstone of an open and just society. She plans to pursue an Erasmus Mundus International Master’s program in Children’s Literature, Media, and Cultural Entrepreneurship, with the goal of working at the intersection of educational policy and children’s literacy.
Maria B. Hristova represents the very best of AUBG – a warm and inspiring model of excellence, integrity, and purpose – whose journey calls others to aspire, to learn, to lead, and to make a difference.
