University of Mining and Geology in Sofia

Tzvetan Vassilev received recognition for his long years of support for Bulgarian higher education from another prestigious Bulgarian university. At a special ceremony, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Corporate Commercial Bank AD was given the title Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski" in Sofia.

 

The high distinction was bestowed because of Vassilev’s noble efforts as sponsor and his help to the University for realizing an exhibition of unique crystals. The crystal collection was compiled over a number of years by Bulgarian-born French citizen Ilia Delev. Tzvetan Vassilev provided money to transport the collection and to erect a unique museum for it within the University. This meant that a gathering of world significance came to reside in Bulgaria. The museum funded by Corporate Commercial Bank AD also hosts items of national significance, all of them accessible to every visitor.

 

"I am happy that we were able to support such a deeply patriotic deed. This exhibition is just one example of the social policy of the bank, which we persistently introduce into society," Tzvetan Vassilev said at the opening of the museum, quoted by Monitor newspaper, author — Teodora Todorova.

 

The collector and donator of the exhibits Ilia Delev underlined that no other exhibition hall in the world has such a collection of minerals and added:

 

"These incredible crystals are priceless natural creations that should be saved and preserved for posterity. The merit of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Corporate Commercial Bank Tzvetan Vassilev is invaluable. This is a noble gesture for the whole Bulgarian society."

 

Tzvetan Vassilev also established two University of Mining and Geology awards: 10 000 leva to the top student each year, and 20 000 leva for the best young researcher. In his speech on receiving the Doctor Honoris Causa title, Vassilev noted that the development of research and education on the one hand, and of practice, on the other, had to progress together and help each other.