The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of “Trace Group Hold” Plc Prof. Nikolay Mihaylov, PhD (Econ), Dipl. Eng. was awarded the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa for long-term cooperation and significant contribution to the infrastructure improvement in Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.

The Academic Council unanimously accepted proposal of the Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dobri Yarkov to present the award to Prof. Mihaylov.

At a ceremony at the presentation of the university's symbols - diploma, medal, plaque, toga and ceremonial hat, Prof. Mihaylov shared: "... to return to Stara Zagora on the Path of science, I did not even dream of it." He thanked for the honour and gave an academic speech-lecture on "Corporate Systems Management". Prof. Mihaylov commented that children who study for a first year in the universities in 2020 will be active in the labour market after 2060. At the end of his speech, Prof. Mihaylov proposed to open a new specialty at the university, in which to teach students who have acquired competencies in one field and to upgrade their knowledge in the field of corporate governance.

In front of the Academic Council of Trakia University and guests new Doctor honoris causa read the message he bequeathed in the honorary book of the university: “Man is incomplete, not imperfect. One of the most important life lessons is to let the heart speak, to dream boldly and wisely… What matters is not the speed, but the path we choose to reach the end.”

The title Doctor honoris causa was first given at Trakia Universityin 1997 to the German scientist Prof. Hilmar Zeigert, Prof. Mihailov is the thirty-first holder of the honorary title. There are 9 Bulgarians and the rest are teachers from different countries around the world. Among them is the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin AbdulAziz Al Saud in 2009.