From Kazakhstan With Love

The flags of several countries hang in Tandy Center Hall, representing partnerships and travel abroad destinations. When Emil Azhibayev (MBA ’12) looked up and saw those flags, he was inspired to add another: the flag from his country, Kazakhstan.

“My time at TCU was one of the most important turning points in my life,” Emil said. “It was the start of a new chapter of my life. To show my appreciation to TCU, I decided to donate one of the most important national state symbols of my country. I hope that the National Flag will serve as a reminder of those few proud Horned Frogs from Kazakhstan who will always keep TCU in their hearts.”

Emil said there has been one other student at TCU from Kazakhstan, Alua Nurkeeva (MBA ’06).

“Like last year’s graduate from Kyrgyzstan, Bakai Madybaev (MBA ’11), I came through the Muskie Graduate Fellows program,” Emil said. “Although I didn’t get to choose my graduate school, I am very grateful that I was accepted to TCU. I hope that my TCU MBA degree, coupled with my technical background, will create a valuable combination that will make me a very competitive candidate on the job market in my home country.”

“We were very proud to receive the National Flag of Kazakhstan from Emil,” noted Dean Homer Erekson.  “I understand its light blue color is a symbol of culture and ethnic unity, and the golden sun reflects life and energy, and wealth and abundance. Our MBA program is truly made richer by the talents and insights brought to us by students from so many countries.”

According to the U.S. Department of State website, the United States was the first country to recognize Kazakhstan, on December 25, 1991, and opened its Embassy in Almaty in January 1992; the Embassy moved to Astana in 2006. In the years since Kazakhstan's independence, the two countries have developed a wide-ranging bilateral relationship.