On February 21, 2025, American University Kyiv (AUK) hosted its second official graduation ceremony, an event that marked more than the academic achievements of over 40 master's students. It was also a powerful milestone in global higher education: the celebration of AUK’s first cohort of students to earn dual master’s degrees from both AUK and Arizona State University (ASU). 

In total, there were 48 graduates across cutting-edge programs: Master of Global Management, Master of Software Engineering, and Master of Technology Leadership & AI. Notably, 17 students earned dual degrees, showcasing their exceptional dedication to interdisciplinary excellence.​

Held in the heart of Kyiv, the graduation ceremony brought together faculty, families, business leaders, and honored guests for a day filled with inspiration, pride, and deep significance. The occasion was not only a proud moment for the graduates, but a strong reflection of AUK’s mission to deliver world-class education in Ukraine, in partnership with one of the most innovative universities in the United States. 

What made this graduation especially historic was the recognition of students who had already walked across the stage at ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix last May. These students are the first to complete AUK’s dual degree pathway, earning a Master’s degree from ASU while completing parallel studies in Kyiv through AUK.

This innovative academic model allows Ukrainian students to access top-ranked programs and instruction from ASU while staying grounded in the context and needs of their home country. Graduates of the dual degree pathway receive accredited degrees from both AUK and ASU, giving them a powerful academic and professional foundation to build on as they step into global leadership roles. 

“This is the first time we have graduated students who have both diplomas, from Arizona State University and American University Kyiv,” Rector Jacek Leśkow said in his opening remarks at the event. “You have proven that education that gives freedom is real.” 

The ceremony celebrated the determination and resilience of students who pursued their education during a time of profound challenge. Many continued their studies amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, navigating air raid alerts, power outages, and personal hardships, yet still managed to meet the rigorous academic demands of an international degree program.

The event featured a series of heartfelt and forward-looking speeches from both graduates and distinguished guests. Elina Bodzhek, one of the dual degree graduates, delivered a moving address that reflected on her class’s shared experience and the journey that brought them to this moment. Her speech acknowledged the unique environment in which they studied, an environment shaped by adversity but strengthened by community and purpose. 

Also taking the stage was Andy Hunder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. In his remarks, he emphasized the critical role that education plays in Ukraine’s future and applauded the efforts of the students and the institutions that supported them. Sergii Voitsekhovskyi, a member of AUK’s Supervisory Board, also addressed the graduates, offering encouragement as they prepare to apply their knowledge and leadership in a rapidly changing world. His presence reinforced the strong backing AUK enjoys from Ukrainian academic, business, and civic leaders.

The academic segment of the ceremony was led by respected faculty members including Jacek Leśkow, Hanna Shvindina, and Oleksandra Antoniouk. Their involvement underscored AUK’s commitment to excellence in education and its ability to attract top academic talent. The presence of these thought leaders and mentors highlighted the academic rigor and collaborative spirit that define AUK’s programs. In partnership with ASU, AUK offers students access to some of the most forward-thinking curricula in business, management, and technology, equipping them with the tools they need to drive innovation and transformation in Ukraine and beyond. Founded in 2022, AUK was established with a bold vision: to deliver globally recognized education in Ukraine, even in the face of uncertainty. With support from ASU and Cintana, AUK offers international-standard degree programs that are deeply rooted in Ukraine’s national development goals.

The dual degree program is a key component of this mission. By giving students access to ASU’s globally ranked programs without requiring them to leave their country, AUK is fostering a generation of leaders who are globally competitive and locally committed. This model of education, globally connected, locally delivered, is proving to be both resilient and impactful. 

Despite the challenges faced by the Ukrainian higher education sector, AUK has continued to grow, adapt, and innovate. The graduation ceremony ended with joy and celebration as students tossed their caps in the air and embraced their families, professors, and classmates. It was a collective moment of achievement, not only for the graduates, but for everyone who supported them along the way. The event marked a defining chapter in AUK’s young but powerful story, a story of possibility, of partnership, and of pride.

These graduates leave with more than just prestigious degrees. They carry with them the knowledge, global perspectives, and determination to lead in a world that needs bold, adaptable thinkers. And as the first cohort to hold diplomas from both AUK and ASU, they’ve also made history. Their achievement is a beacon of what’s possible through collaboration, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the power of education.