American University of Central Asia, formed in 1997, is dedicated to improving the quality of education it offers by adding new curricula, new programs, and new services to equip its graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to this rapidly changing and developing region and the world beyond.

1. AUCA Magazine
American University November 2010
of Central Asia
Tilek Mamutov`05
and Aijan Jumukova`07:
In Love
with AUCA
Karlygach Nurmanbetova'11:
Andrew B. Wachtel: Elnura Osmonalieva'06:
Giving Back to the
Opening New Doors Life Through a Camera Lens Community

2. American University of Central Asia
The Writing and Academic Resource Center
(WARC)
The Writing and Academic Resource Center is here to help students and faculty to conceive of
writing as a mode of thinking and learning itself: to use writing to engage and explore difficult
texts and ideas in the classroom, to use writing to promote classroom discussion, and to use
writing to think on the page and try out ideas.
The Center will offer one-on-one tutorials for students in writing, mathematics, and study skills.
It is a place to try out ideas and get feedback in a supportive atmosphere.
AUCA offers US accredited degrees through a partnership with Bard College
Visit us on the web or write to us for more information about
how you can get involved in this dynamic learning community:
pubrel@mail.auca.kg
www.auca.kg

3. CONTENTS
10 Discover Earth Day at AUCA
23 Cholponbek Jumashukurov'02:
Conquering Corporate America
25 Chyngyz Jamankulov'02:
A New Star in Banking Sector
30 Alina Murzaeva'07:
In Perpetual Motion
32 Tilek Mamutov'05 and Aijan Jumukova'07:
In Love With AUCA
36 Nurdin Djumaliev'08 and Temirbek Chodurov'08:
More Than Successful Enterpreneurs
38 Social Research Center (SRC):
14
"Muslim Community in Kyrgyzstan: Social Activity
at the Present Stage"
Andrew B. Wachtel:
Opening New Doors
04 Copy Editor’s Note and Publication Team
05 Welcome from the President
06 American Diplomacy
06 First Iaido Festival in Kyrgyzstan
07 Unsung Stories from Africa
07 RFE/RL
08 Using Writing to Learn: On the New Writing
Academic Resource Center
11
26 Elnura
Home of the Angel of Earth
12 The Heart of Naryn
Osmonalieva`06
20 Natalia Slastnikova:
The Way to Success Life Through
21 Karlygach Nurmanbetova'11:
a Camera Lens
Giving Back to the Community

4. Copy Editor's Note
AUCA
Magazine
American University of Central Asia,
formed in 1997, is dedicated to improving
the quality of education it offers by
adding new curricula, new programs,
W
and new services to equip its graduates
ith a new president with the knowledge and skills necessary
and an energetic, to contribute to this rapidly changing and
fresh approach, the Alumni developing region and the world beyond.
Association renews its mission
to empower the AUCA com- Publication team
munity in Bishkek, in the Kyr-
gyz Republic, and around the Editor-in-Chief
world. Kemel Toktomushev
During the next year, the
Alumni Association will meet Copy Editors
and hear ideas from any alum- Sven Stafford
nus who wishes to share ways Madina Sarkulova
the Alumni Association can
work better for AUCA Alumni. Contributors
We have already had two Aida Alymbaeva
successful meetings, and plan Alexandra Revina
to have many more. Ideas from Aliona Kim
your classmates included: small- Jamby Jusubalieva
er, more frequent alumni events, Kemel Toktomushev
an alumni advisory council, more access to career services, Martin Ossewaarde
more consistent communication, and DVDs of initiation. Medina Kuldaeva
As a result of alumni comments, on October 15th we Mohammad Alim
invited alumni to meet the architect of the new campus, see his Peg Peoples
presentation and ask questions about the construction process.
This was followed by a Brain Ring competition between classes Pictures
here at AUCA. Over 20 alumni competed among former class- Emil Akhmatbekov
es and current AUCA students, although we were not able to AUCA Archives
determine which class was the smartest.
Design and layout
AUCA is undergoing major changes, and we want alumni
Emil Akhmatbekov
to be involved. We are working on plans for a new campus, we
are developing a new Central Asia Institute to bring scholars
AUCA Magazine is published by the
from across the world to Bishkek, and we are expanding our American University of Central Asia
continuing education and community outreach programs.
These programs and projects will not be possible without You may send your correspondence to:
alumni support and input. Our students need your guidance
and expertise. In Bishkek people lament that their country is AUCA Magazine
not as great as it could be. AUCA students and alumni are the American University of Central Asia
people who are out in the world to lead this transformation. If 205 Abdymomunov St.,
you want to see the Kyrgyz Republic succeed, come back and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic 720040
help us succeed. You can help move AUCA forward, opening Tel./Fax: (996 312) 66-45-64
doors in Central Asia and beyond. E-mail: pubrel@mail.auca.kg
www.auca.kg
On the cover:
Sven Stafford Tilek Mamutov'05 and Aijan Jumukova'07
Director for Special Projects
4 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

5. President’s Column
Welcome From the President
W elcome to AUCA, an exception-
ally dynamic liberal arts uni-
versity in the heart of Central Asia’s most
livable city. With over 1,500 graduates
around the world embodying the transfor-
mative power of the liberal arts approach
to learning, we look confidently to a future
of further innovation, collaboration, and
outreach.
We are about to release a new set of
strategic goals that charts our ambitious
course for the next five years. This plan
anticipates expansion of our curriculum
to encourage all of our students to take an
active role in their education from a new
freshman seminar program to their origi-
nal senior thesis research; the creation of a
world-class research and teaching Institute
for Central Asian Studies that will bolster
our reputation as a vital center of scholar-
ship on a region in transition; redoubled
efforts to further internationalize our insti-
tution by attracting more highly qualified faculty and students from around the world; and expanded
facilities, including a new residence hall and main campus building to improve our attractiveness and
increase our capacity to facilitate high quality learning and develop a new generation of leaders and
entrepreneurs.
Central Asia has historically served as a vital crossroads for the exchange of technology, ideas and
culture along the old Silk Road. Once again the region is rapidly emerging as a crucial link between
east and west, north and south, and our website, an important outpost along the new electronic Silk
Road, will provide you with a window into one of the most dynamic institutions in Central Asia. As
you browse through our site you will not only learn about our demanding programs and student-
centered learning approach, you will meet the students and faculty that make this place so special.
We hope you will get a sense of the incredible AUCA spirit that pervades the halls and classrooms.
It’s a unique atmosphere that results when you gather the most driven and imaginative students and
faculty from the region in one place and, balanced with a culture of academic honesty and high ethi-
cal standards, you give them the freedom to explore new worlds, question assumptions, develop new
perspectives, and follow their passions.
If you are not fortunate enough to walk down our halls and see this for yourself, visit our web-
site often to watch us as we continue to grow, spread our wings and soar to new heights of academic
innovation.
www.auca.kg
Andrew B. Wachtel
President
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 5

6. University Update
Ambassador Tatiana C. Gfoeller Practitioners of the Iaido art
American First Iaido Festival
Democracy in Kyrgyzstan
On September 23, 2010, the U.S. Ambassador On September 4, 2010, AUCA students
to the Kyrgyz Republic,Tatiana C. Gfoeller, gave participated in the first Iaido festival in Kyr-
a public lecture at AUCA on American democ- gyzstan, organized by the Shiseikan Iaido
racy. Tatiana C. Gfoeller was sworn in as the U.S. Club. Iaido is a Japanese martial art that teach-
Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic on August es smooth, controlled movements of drawing
22, 2008. a sword in reaction to a surprise attack. The
A member of the Senior Foreign Service, festival took place in the main hall of the Sport
Ambassador Gfoeller joined the Department of Palace.
State in 1984. She most recently served as the Con- "Iaido is the art of instant exposure and
sul General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. use of samurai sword, which differs from oth-
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Gfoeller er types of martial arts by its grace and reli-
stated, “In a sense I envy you because you have gious meditation. In Kyrgyzstan, the art of Iai-
more liberty to decide the future of your nation do has been developing since October 2007,"
than we do at the moment. I encourage all of you explained Aida Abdykanova, Chair of Anthro-
of voting age to be active and vote at the coming pology and concurrently one of the organizers
parliament elections.” She then continued her of the festival.
lecture, discussing various aspects of democracy
from the perspective of American history and, in
particular, the role and influence of Thomas Jef-
ferson and Alexander Hamilton.
After the lecture there was a lively discussion,
in which every student was able to openly express
his or her thoughts on the issue, make comments,
and ask questions.
6 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

7. University Update
Supporting children from Ghana Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin
RFE/RL
Unsung Stories
from Africa
On September 16, 2010, the Anthropology On September 6, 2010, AUCA students
Department hosted remarkable guests – an of the Journalism and Mass Communications
international team with an extraordinary mis- Department had the privilege of meeting
sion of exploring Kyrgyzstan’s pastoral life, world-class media professionals Dr. Jeffrey
with a particular focus on camels. “Why cam- Gedmin, President and CEO of Radio Free
els?” was the question most often asked of the Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Abbas
team’s leader, Sebastian Lindstrom, who also Djavadi, Associate Director of Broadcasting
happens to be an experienced traveler and film at RFE/RL. The students had an opportunity
maker, and the founder of Light for Children, to discuss various issues such as moral stan-
an NGO working with HIV-affected children dards, confidentiality, objectiveness, and inde-
in Ghana. pendence of information.
His answer was revealing, “Camels are the After the event, Svetlana Verchenko,
subject of our research for many reasons. First, a participant in the meeting, expressed, “I
our foundation (www.whattookyousolong.org) believe such meetings and open conversations
is focused on unsung issues from all over the with professionals are very important. We get
world pursuing mainly relief purposes. Camel a chance to listen to those who successfully
is a very unique and special animal due to its implement in real life what we are now learn-
www.auca.kg
very nutritious milk and products (cheese, fer- ing in theory as students. It is very motivating
mented milk), which have a high potential of and encouraging to me, a future journalist and
bringing relief to those who live with AIDS.” reporter, to talk and listen to such people. I was
The students of the Anthropology Depart- once again reassured that I made the right deci-
ment had a chance to talk to the explorers, sion in choosing my specialization and future
share their ideas and views about issues of career. After talking to them, I believe many
preserving nature, taking care of people, and stereotypes about journalists, especially in our
developing new approaches to solve the great country, were broken. All of us were able to see
challenges of the modern world. an example of professional reporters at work.”
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 7

8. University Update
Using Writing to Learn:
On the New Writing and Academic Resource Center
Education requirements come into the first year in which all gradu-
The Writing and Academic Resource effect. This year sees the introduc- ating seniors will write a senior
Center (WARC) comes with the new tion of First Year Seminar: The thesis—a capstone project to their
challenge to AUCA to make writing Pursuit of Wisdom, a year long liberal arts education. To support
a more rigorous component of the liberal arts course in which all these new endeavors and to help
undergraduate curriculum. first year students read, discuss, insure the potential success of
T
evaluate, and begin to define the each student, AUCA is establish-
his academic year, concepts of wisdom, knowledge ing and opening a new Writing
2010/2011 brings many and freedom—not only for them- and Academic Resource Center
changes to AUCA. As a selves in relation to each other, but this fall.
new University President steps in also through such works as Dos- The Writing and Academic
to lead AUCA forward, and a new toyevsky’s “The Grand Inquisi- Resource Center (WARC) comes
partnership with Bard College in tor,” Plato’s Republic, Confucius’ with the new challenge to AUCA
New York takes form, so do new Analects, and Simone Weil’s Grace to make writing a more rigorous
courses begin and new General and Gravity. The year also marks component of the undergraduate
curriculum. To help meet this goal
and to help meet the needs of stu-
dents as they face the challenges
of writing in First Year Seminar,
as well as in their disciplines, the
Writing and Academic Resource
Center will offer one-on-one peer
tutoring, group workshops, and a
variety of resources and support
(both online and off) as students
develop their writing and analyti-
cal skills across the disciplines. In
short, the Center will be a place
where students will not only be
able to try out their ideas but
receive help in organizing them as
well.
As the fall semester begins,
the Center has been seeking nomi-
nations by faculty of potential peer
tutors, interviewing tutors, final-
izing space arrangements, and
developing a series of workshops
that will begin in mid-September
to train new tutors in peer tutor-
ing pedagogy. These workshops
will focus on training tutors to
help their peers through the writ-
Peg Peoples leading a writing workshop ing process—from understanding
8 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

9. University Update
an assignment, generating ideas the Center needs to be
and a thesis, to drafting and revis- a resource for students
ing, and finally, to learning how and faculty. All too often
to proofread and edit one’s own as teachers and stu-
writing by learning how to iden- dents, we conceive writ-
tify common grammar and Eng- ing as what we do after
lish as a Second Language errors. we have read this text,
Regardless of what stage a writer after we have discussed
is at, a peer tutor will help the these ideas, and after,
writer move to the next stage in we have thought about
the writing process. Our goal is to this topic and organized
have tutors working in the Center our ideas about it. But
by early or mid-November. At that the goals of the Writing
time, the Center will offer not only and Academic Resource
drop-in hours but appointments Center are to help not
scheduled in advance as well. only students, but fac-
Center tutors are selected ulty as well—all of us-
not only on the basis of their writ- to conceive of writing
ing skills, but also on their ability not simply as a product
and desire to help others think or an outcome of having
through and organize their ideas. thought, but as a mode
These students along with other of thinking and learning Chynara Ryskulova
interested students in the spring itself: to use writing to
will take a semester long course engage and explore difficult texts
in Tutoring Pedagogy, a course to and ideas in the classroom, to use The goals of the Writing and Academic
be offered each spring to ensure writing to promote classroom dis- Resource Center are to help not only
AUCA has a strong pool of tutors cussion, and to use writing to think students, but faculty as well—all of
each year to support the Writing on the page and to try out ideas us—to conceive of writing not simply
and Academic Resource Center’s and thus develop greater flu- as a product or an outcome of having
initiatives. And if anyone has ency, dialogue, and independent thought, but as a mode of thinking and
gotten the impression so far that thought. In this sense, writing is learning itself.
the Center will offer tutoring only one of the most democratic learn-
for writing, think again. This fall ing tools we can use in the liberal offer resources and workshops
we are also collaborating with the arts classroom. for faculty on integrating writ-
Math Department to identify and The evidence of recent ing into the classroom, on creat-
train tutors to help their peers as research suggests that using writ- ing revision friendly assignments,
they fulfill the new General Edu- ing as a mode of learning helps and on sequencing assignments
cation Math requirements. Along students become more reflective to help build the analytical writ-
with writing tutors, math tutors and flexible thinkers, and provides ing and thinking skills needed in
will work closely with their peers teachers as well with a range of individual disciplines. Already,
in one-on-one sessions to devel- strategies to help students struc- we are working closely with First
op understanding of concepts, ture and understand their own Year Seminar faculty to integrate
to identify and articulate areas intellectual development. Writing writing into the classroom, as well
of difficulty, and to help stu- integrated not only into our syl- as beginning to dialogue and offer
dents understand and complete labi but also into our teaching also assistance to faculty planning and
assignments, as well as review asks us as teachers in the liberal teaching the Senior Thesis Semi-
for exams. We are drawing on arts to re-think what classroom nar. But we don’t want to stop
students across the disciplines— work is for—it asks us to define here, we invite all faculty to stop
to assure all AUCA students that our goals, make our expectations by, introduce themselves, and
if they feel they need to work transparent, and design teach- share their needs, concerns, and
www.auca.kg
with someone in their discipline ing practices that foster inquiry, ideas, and to learn about ways in
on a specific assignment, there’s a dialogue, and reflection. More which writing can be integrated
tutor who can assist them. reflective students, as the logic of into their teaching.
The Writing and Academic education goes, will make more
Resource Center is not only for reflective citizens who are more
students though. If writing is truly likely and able to participate in by Peg Peoples
to become a rigorous component and contribute to a larger democ-
of the undergraduate curriculum, racy. To this end, the Center will
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 9

10. University Update
E
arth Day is a world- happen entered our campus
wide movement too. The Earth Day Working
for a more liveable Group considered postpon-
world, which has recently ing the event, but decided that
gained footing in Kyrgyz- sharing our message of co-
stan. This year, a committed operation and hope with the
group of 4 AUCA teachers, AUCA Community would be
over 20 students, and 3 AUCA better. So, with some adjust-
Clubs, with marvellous assis- ments, the programme went
tance from the AUCA Stu- ahead. Even now, in the begin-
dent Affairs Office and from ning of a new academic year,
local environmental NGOs, the movement goes on because
organised AUCA Earth Day the nations of the Earth and,
for the second time. indeed, of Central Asia need to
While most activities around unite in order to care for their
the world are centred in the week world and its people.
of 22 April (the original Earth Day, So what went on at the
see below), we had our first activi- AUCA campus on Earth Day?
ty, a successful day of tree planting, The art class had a poster com-
on 2 April. A group of 12 enthu- petition for the best expression Martin J. Ossewaarde
siastic students made their way of the Earth Day spirit. The post-
to a medical clinic, opposite the ers were up in Bravo for most made a plea for more environ-
Physical Culture Institute, to clear of that week and the three best mental awareness in the business
the garden of stones and plant a ones were awarded a prize. community, which IBC is trying
hedgerow in close co-operation There was a forum with to promote through various ini-
with the cheerful clinic staff. representatives from civil soci- tiatives. Finally, Mr Ruslan Isaev
Unfortunately, days later ety, who explained why they highlighted in words and images
we saw very different scenes were working for a better, green- how Camp Ala Too helps rural
in the streets of Bishkek, and, er world within their sphere of communities improve their liv-
understandably, fears and influence. Ms Indira Zhakypova ing conditions and the environ-
worries about what else might (NGO Milieukontakt Interna- ment by reducing unnecessary
tional) shared her energy spending.
passionate story The afternoon programme
about bringing featured a debate by the Debat-
safety to rural ing Club on the potential of
communities in green job creation and the role of
Southern Kyrgyz- government in that, as well as a
stan from harm- treat of environmentally friendly
ful leftover pesti- snacks made of local ingredients
cides, despite the and presented with a minimum
cold indifference of (recyclable) packaging.
of administrators We from Earth Day Work-
and law enforce- ing Group want to wish you all
ment agencies. Mr a fruitful and sustainable year!
Kuban Ashyrku-
lov (International
Business Council) by Martin J. Ossewaarde
10 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

11. Field Research
Home of the Angel of Earth
According to an ancient myth other better. There was a good topic was “Bride Kidnapping in
Karakol is the place where the environment with different ethnic Karakol”, Ilona’s topic was “Lan-
angel of earth lived and, because groups that we did not appreciate guage attitudes in Karakol: bar-
of its natural beauty, many foreign- during our four years of study riers, stereotypes and linguistic
ers and locals spend their summer together. We experienced differ- racism”, Alim’s topic was “Impact
time there. It is indeed worthy to ent cooking, languages, cultures of Gift Exchange on relationships
spend time where the people are and traditions from each other, and social-political life in Kyrgyz
really hospitable, educated and instead of only our research. People”, Aizhamal’s topic was
tolerant. Finally, we learned how to col- “Investigating Everyday Islam
The long journey from Bish- lect and organize research data. I in Karakol”, Dastan’s topic was
kek to Karakol has taken us more do not call this field-work ‘work’, “Presentation of Kyrgyz Culture
than three years of study at AUCA. but rather the best time I had at to Foreign Tourists” and finally,
This journey was supported by the AUCA in my four years.” Tynchtyk’s topic was “Impact of
anthropology department in July Nevertheless, field work External Migration in Social life
2010. The purpose of this journey was the most significant, prob- of Kyrgyz People”.
was anthropological field-work, lematic and complicated chal- “In Karakol I had a great
which is a requirement for every lenge for us. Since the interview experience. I got a chance to visit
student majoring in anthropol- schedule was arranged by our different and interesting places;
ogy. The work is conducted indi- professor from 9:00-5:00, every I collected information about the
vidually under the supervision of student was alone and busy with activities of tourist firms and local
department professors. Our group his or her field-work throughout people, about the presentation of
of seven students (Suraya Shams, the day. Being alone in an unfa- Kyrgyz culture to foreign tour-
Aigul Abdurahmanova, Aizhamal miliar region for a foreigner was ist,” emphasized Dastan, one of
Morat, Elona Yubareva, Tynchtyk hard. We were in different places the participants, about his experi-
Bakyt Yyly, Dastan Derbishev and such as mosques, universities, ence in Karakol.
Mohammad Alim), along with our and bazaars. Having interviews For me personally, this sum-
instructor, Togtogulova Mucaram, with different people like profes- mer’s experience has shown me
spent our summer doing field- sors, Imams, and shopkeepers another life. It has taught me
work in the home of the angel of was interesting. After suffering how to struggle with cultural
earth, Karakol. the whole day with these people differences, misunderstanding,
Our life in Karakol was awe- we had to reflect on our field- language barriers, and actually
somely diverse, since we were from work and write a reflective jour- being part of a team. From this
different backgrounds including nal. Every evening after dinner field-work I learned how to cook,
Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Afghan. We we had a one-hour meeting with how to conduct an interview, how
made a small and very friendly our instructor. Every student had to find a suitable site, and devel-
community. We shared an apart- to talk about his or her challeng- oped my Russian as well.
ment, cooked together, cleaned es, progress, and problems faced I think having such an expe-
together, worked in a team, and during daily interviews. Addi- rience helped us to see the real
learned to tolerate each other. tionally we had individual meet- world of anthropology. In field-
House chores were scheduled for ings with our instructor about our work students are faced with real-
everyone, and two people were research. The mistakes corrected ity and must differentiate between
responsible for cooking and clean- by our instructor during evening past and modern forms of culture.
ing each day, as well as being busy meetings helped every student to I would like to thank the Ameri-
with their field-work for half a improve his or her field-work sig- can University of Central Asia for
day. nificantly. The progress and prob- providing us with an opportunity
Suraya Shama, a senior in lems with our research and meth- to see society through the lens
www.auca.kg
the anthropology department, ods were revealed. Our instructor of anthropology and thank the
expressed that her experience in always guided us and challenged anthropology department for giv-
Karakol was really fun and inter- us to come back the next day with ing its students the opportunity
esting. She continued, “By seeing even more material. to get experience in anthropologi-
different people from a diverse We experienced in the field cal research.
region, we learned a lot of infor- more than we expected. In the
mation which we did not know field, every student had his or her
before. Also, we got to know each own topic. Aigul and Suraya‘s by Mohammad Alim
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 11

12. Field Research
The Heart of Naryn
Kyrgyzstan is a country that is rich with heroes,
hospitable citizens, indescribable and bewitching nature,
folklore, and centuries-old traditions.
K yrgyz people have
opened up thousands
of high, mountainous valleys
July, I received an offer from
Cholpon Turdalieva, associ-
ate professor in the Anthro-
in the Tian-Shan, where they pology Department of AUCA,
have dwelled, perfected a to participate in an anthropo-
difficult system of life skills, logical project supported by
created a culture, and spiritu- the Christensen Fund. The
alized a large space. mission of the project was
Fascination, impregna- to explore the biological and
bility, virginity and mysteri- cultural diversity of Naryn,
ousness – words that come aim of exploring and discov- Kyrgyzstan, and based on
to my mind whenever I think ering a new Kyrgyzstan for observations, with the help
about Kyrgyz nature. Majes- myself. The project that I was of fellow students, create
tic, unusual, admirable and involved in during summer short movies in order to edu-
divine - that is how I would holidays gave me a chance cate others about what we
describe Kyrgyz culture. The to expend my anthropologi- learned. So far our team has
idea of exploring my native cal knowledge, learn cultural created several movies such
land was born in my heart aspects of Kyrgyz people’s as “The role of sheep breed-
long before I was given an lives, and research the nature ing in lives of Kyrgyz peo-
offer to participate in an of Naryn. ple”, “Altyn Koldor ”, “Ak-
anthropological project that While most of us prefer Muz”, “Beenin Sutu”, “Naryn
focuses on maintaining the to do nothing except relax City” and “Kiyiz”. The mov-
rich diversity of world biol- during summer vacation, I ies are reflections of what we
ogy and culture. I dreamed decided to combine rest with observed on our trips. They
about traveling around my work. At the beginning of are closely connected with
homeland with the Naryn people’s lifestyles,
environmental issues of
Naryn, and cultural aspects
of the Kyrgyz Republic. The
other aim of the project was to
join young, ambitious, talent-
ed, and enthusiastic students
from numerous universities
in the country together. The
project assisted me in broad-
ening my horizons concern-
ing the biological and cultur-
al background of Naryn.
Besides students from
American University of Cen-
tral Asia, there were par-
ticipants from universities
such as Manas, Naryn State,
and Kyrgyz-Slavonic. I was
impressed by the students’
Enjoying the open air, while performing traditional tasks deep academic knowledge
12 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

13. Field Research
A welcoming host receiving his guests
and extraordinary way of ed a chance for students from pitable citizens, indescrib-
thinking. For instance, when a different institutions of high- able and bewitching nature,
working day was finished and er education to sharpen their folklore, and centuries-old
we had free time, we would social skills. traditions. This country is
have absorbing discussions Naryn impresses with its also a great place for study-
concerning many aspects of hospitable, open, and friend- ing biocultural diversity and
life. As result of such gather- ly people. Wherever we trav- cultural heritage since it has
ings, we had sharp debates, eled, local people treated us a rich history, outstanding,
strong arguments, and fiery like we were their closest talented people, and wonder-
disagreements. We would relatives. I still remember the ful, untouched nature. I am
end up sitting against each women who shared candies glad to have had the experi-
other with red faces, shak- with us and wished us all ence of exploring Naryn, get-
ing hands, and puzzled facial the happiness in the world. ting acquainted with its peo-
expressions. Most important, It seemed like that optimistic ple, and learning more about
we ended up gaining a lot attitude toward hardships, Kyrgyzstan. I suggest that
of valuable information and poverty and unemployment everyone travels to Naryn
knowledge from each other was one of the key secrets some day in order to discover
www.auca.kg
during discussions. As it is of local people’s kindness. Kyrgyzstan in your hearts.
said, the truth lies in a dis- They never give up; instead,
pute. So, improvised discus- they live in harmony with
sions helped us develop our themselves as well as with by Medina Kuldaeva
critical thinking, reasoning, the amazing Naryn environ-
and analytical skills for find- ment.
ing a good answer to a good Kyrgyzstan is a country
question. The project provid- that is rich with heroes, hos-
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 13

14. 14 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

15. Interview with the President
Andrew B. Wachtel:
Opening New Doors
Andrew, you have already been all, actually! People seem to have a
acquainted with the Soviet Union. reasonable life, which is nice, even if
When did you first find out about chaos happens from time to time.
Kyrgyzstan, or Central Asia?
When I was in the Soviet Union I found online that you were
in the 1980s I was very much inter- applying to another university at the
ested in Central Asia, because it was same time as AUCA.
even more exotic and interesting than I was dean of the graduate school
other countries, and it was quite diffi- at Northwestern University for six
cult to get here because I was Ameri- years ultimately. And after I was on
can. I was in Uzbekistan in 1987, and that job for four years I knew it was
that was the only chance to come to time to go and try to see something
Central Asia during the Soviet times. I else. There are two positions that
was working as a simultaneous trans- run a whole university: provost, for
lator with a photographer; we were academic affairs, and president. It is
doing a book, making pictures and hard to say which position is more
writing journalistic texts. We visited interesting. And Claremont Graduate
Tashkent and Samarkand. University is a big research university
in the U.S.
And Kyrgyzstan came later?
Actually, four or five years ago, So there were different positions
while going to Tajikistan, I took the proposed for Claremont and AUCA.
opportunity and went to Kazakhstan. I think a vice president or pro-
In most respects, Soviet culture was vost has the more interesting job,
pretty similar. I don’t find Bishkek because you deal with the day-to-day
very different from Soviet times, in affairs of the university, and there is
terms of peoples’ attitudes towards a lot going on. And a president of
www.auca.kg
things they say to you, what expecta- a U.S. University is mostly involved
tions they have, or how you should in external affairs, like fundraising
respond. It is all pretty familiar. and other things like that. In a small-
There is nothing very surprising or er place like here, the president is
exceptional. The city itself is very involved in more interesting things
nice by comparison to most post - and can change things for the better.
Soviet cities. It is not as rundown as So I decided it would be worth it to
many others. It is not “rundown” at make a better world here, than be a
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 15

16. Interview with the President
president of some small col- I’m going to a confer- by the second semester of
lege in the U.S. Generally I am ence on Russian poetry of the 2012-13 academic year we
known as a person who comes the 70s and 80s that will take should have moved.
in and makes things different place next week. I’m finish-
in ways that, usually, other ing translations of one poet of What should we adver-
people haven’t proposed. that period, and it will prob- tise about AUCA? The April
ably be published. I just get events in Kyrgyzstan this
Won’t you regret step- up in the morning and write year do not help…
ping away from teaching and something. Early morning is We need to do an ad cam-
research? Administrative good for writing. paign. Part of it doesn’t depend
work is something else… on us because of the whole
I was able to do as much You said at the first meet- issue of what Kyrgyzstan is
research and study when I ing with faculty that you will like. If the country is total
was a dean as I did when I study Kyrgyz… anarchy and chaos and peo-
was a full-time faculty mem- I’m going to a Kyrgyz ple are shooting each other on
ber. Research really takes class twice a week. So when the streets, you can advertise
time in American universities I learn it, we’ll see what I can whatever you want, and you
and you have to teach a lot. do with it. I think it’s impor- are not going to get anybody
I don’t think administration tant to know the language of to come. But, we’ll proceed
is nearly as hard as teaching. the country where you’re liv- under the assumption that
Because in teaching you have ing. there will be no anarchy and
to be inspired every day, you chaos and no people shooting
are in front of students, and What are the first steps each other on the streets. And
you have to be ready and you you will undertake in we will design some kind of
have to be prepared. If you AUCA? advertising campaign. There
are in administration you I think first I’m figuring has been a long-term goal of
can always say I don’t know out the things I don’t have diversifying the student body
what to do about this and it to do, because the hardest here, which has been quite
can wait till tomorrow; you part is making sure you have successful. That’s the joy that
have assistants, somebody enough time to do the big students still come from areas
can always do something for things. It is easy for me to get outside of Bishkek. But we
you. Administrators have to involved in one more little need another couple hundred
make final decisions, while thing that I can solve. But if I of students from other places,
academics have open doors do then I’m not going to have and ideally we need another
and they can choose the way time to think about what the couple hundred students who
to go… big set of issues is and how to can pay the fee. Those kinds
deal with them. What I need of students exist, but to con-
Are you planning to do to figure out is how to build vince them to come here is
some academic work? Write a new campus, how we will something we haven’t done
a book for example. advertise the university effec- yet. What will we advertise?
Yes, I will be able to write tively, how we will get more First of all we need to have a
a book about Central Asia students from a wider variety better idea of our final prod-
and one way to shape reform. of places, how we will make uct. There are huge competi-
I wrote a history of the Bal- a more interesting and bet- tive advantages to experience
kans that was published a few ter student body, and how we another kind of education
years ago. So I am thinking will find more money. than you get as the standard
about making an illustrated in the states or even private
history of Central Asia focus- Do you set any delays universities of this region. So
ing on culture and society, for the campus construction? we need to take advantage of
which would be short and The idea is that we can that, we need to explain that
sweet. Maybe 200 pages of start building in March, and you get what you pay for, and
facts and 150 pages of illustra- then the question becomes is that what you get is a bet-
tions. I know that no one has it possible to build a campus ter, more flexible, more cre-
ever done this kind of history, in 18 months, so we can be ative education than in A or
and it would be fun. ready by September 2012 to B, with more opportunities to
move? The answer is maybe, do interesting things. That is
Will you work on trans- but also maybe not till Janu- why I have spent a lot of time
lations? ary 2013. Certainly, I think thinking about how to sell the
16 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

17. Interview with the President
university in a relatively con- competent economists. As educational skills to do that.”
vincing way and to whom. long as things don’t change That is what we are selling.
For me, it is not enough that too much, they can solve
AUCA is a better University problems of economics. That What about fundraising
than KNU or others… or the is not the kind of student we for the University?
best in Central Asia, even. are trying to produce. We are Raising money is about
I think we should be able to trying to produce someone two different things. Finding
find a particular strength who understands the ways people who have money, get-
in some field of research for the economic system fits with ting some access to them, and
example and try to become the other systems in the world then selling them something.
best in the world in that field. and not just in solving certain You tell them that they have
There are a couple of ideas I types of problems - how does an opportunity to be a part
have. Central Asian studies my bank calculate my interest of this incredibly interesting
– I don’t think it will be that rate five years forward from experiment to do things in
attractive to students from tomorrows soms. The ques- a very different way and to
this particular region, but for tion is who would you rather produce a very different kind
students from the States and
Europe - yes. If you want to
have short-term study abroad
program, then this is why
they would come to study.
Why would they come here to
study American or European
studies? Central Asian stud-
ies can be the research side of
the university. Because this is
something we are now miss-
ing to a great extent. Research
study makes the university
better, more interesting for
faculty and more important
for the state. Research doesn’t
necessarily impede the edu-
cational process.
And you certainly have a Jamby Jusubalieva interviewing the President
strategic vision of the educa-
tion AUCA should provide. be? A person sitting in a little of person who will change his
The kind of education cubicle figuring out what the world. And if that is exciting
we provide here is based on interest rate will be, or do for you, then it would be great
a more flexible type of curric- you want to be doing creative if you help us. To some extent
ulum. We do that in the U.S. and interesting work? Your I think that the stories you tell
with an idea that it will cre- choice. We want the kind of to the potential students and
ate more creative types of stu- people who say “I want to be the story you tell to poten-
dents. If you go to Moscow prepared for different kinds tial donors aren’t different.
State University or Kyrgyz of things. I don’t want to solve It’s pretty much the same. It’s
State University you will be standard problems that some- just that students will benefit
very well prepared, and you one is giving to me. I want to from what you give them in
will know a huge amount of be the kind of person who sets a different way than donors
stuff in the one area that you the problems, and I want to will. Sometimes the strategic
www.auca.kg
study, but outside of that you be a person who is in charge position towards your educa-
may or may not know any- of motivating other people tion is the key.
thing. And they don’t care to solve problems. And not
about the level of flexibility because my “brother-in-law What do you see as a big
or creativity you have. Most is Nazarbaev’s friend”. But challenge in the beginning?
people who graduate with because I have the skills to do The biggest problem is
an economics degree from that, because I was given the to get the faculty and the
Moscow State University are communication, thinking and students all simultaneously
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 17

18. Interview with the President
Andrew Wachtel recognizing students for outstanding achievements
aware of what we are trying and the world need done. we are trying to make this a
to accomplish here. That’s better place. The only way
the challenge. Because most Andrew, it seems you to do that is to go out and be
faculty members (here and are very cool as a boss, what with people, play soccer with
everywhere else) would prob- about hierarchy? them or get yourself involved
ably prefer to do their own All organizations are with freshmen during the
research projects, teach their hierarchical and a univer- orientation week. You have
classes in the way that is easi- sity is even more hierarchi- to be able to say what you
est for them and never think cal. There is a little bit more think. But ultimately, there is
about the overall goals and official authority here than still a hierarchy, because the
mission of the education in in the U.S. but that’s I think final decision is always mine
this university. And most stu- mostly on the surface. In the in the end. But I would rather
dents would like to get their U.S. I think people pretend make people feel relatively
degree with the minimum not to differ with authority, more comfortable than rela-
amount of work. Our job is to but I don’t think they differ tively less comfortable. And
push both students and fac- with authority any less. To sometimes they should forget
ulty out of their comfort zone some extent it depends on that there is a hierarchy. I’m
in order to create a generation how you carry yourself. You trying to meet people with
of leaders who can use their have to have everybody feel whom I can have normal con-
talents to do what this region we are [in this] together, and versations. As a president of
18 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

19. Interview with the President
the university it is difficult to questions, they soon forget mistake. So the question is
have normal relations with that the president is in the are they trying to get away
people, because of hierarchy, room. So I get to watch stu- with something by not doing
and you never know what dents’ every day behavior. things in English or could we
people think. So it is easier to When you come into a place make a better student by mak-
play soccer as we did a few where people have been work- ing him/her more bilingual;
days ago. Because after some ing with each other for a long to me the answer is yes. You
time, they forget that I’m a time, you are upsetting their could say that their English
president and they will kick chemistry of work by defini- is much weaker than Russian
me in the shins when they tion. And you want to make and we have to set a limit for
have to. things better and you prefer the courses they could take in
not to make things worse. Russian, and I could live with
I presume they will let that. There are certain subjects
you score more goals… Let’s tackle a delicate that absolutely should not be
That’s the problem. That’s issue. How do you envisage taught in Russian, and I could
not so pleasant actually. I introducing more teaching live with that too. But to have
think Nikolay Grigorievich in Russian? this blanket feeling that no
will not let me score more I think we should take course should be taught in
goals. He is too competitive this question from the other Russian, because this is some-
to let that happen. There is side. The belief is that it is eas- thing bad for the university
always this question if I could ier for some faculty to teach and because there are 10% of
hurt someone doing some- in Russian and they would the students who don’t know
thing they don’t like, and they rather do this. It is easier for any Russian, I don’t’ find that
don’t respond, because they some students to learn in Rus- a convincing argument.
feel they have to accept it. sian and they would rather do
You will never find an answer that. That’s seen as a problem. Would you teach your-
to this question. But outside They are trying to get away self in Russian?
the university you can. And it with something, instead of If I teach course of Rus-
will take some time. doing something difficult, and sian literature, I will teach it
the answer is we should not in Russian. To give the text
So it’s not easy to be a let them do that. And I agree of «Великий инквизитор»
president?! that in general you should in English is stupid. While,
I’d like to get a better feel- not let people take the easiest for example, Plato in English
ing about what our students road, if there is a harder road is fine. I think there has to be
want in the broader sense that they need to take. But I a minimum number of cours-
from this world. What do they also think we should figure es for students from Rus-
want from life in general and out what students need. Let’s sian speaking backgrounds
how can the university work look at our students. 90% of because they need it. I don’t
in a way to help them achieve them come from a Russian know how to achieve that.
this? The hard part of being speaking background. And We need to discuss first what
the president of a universi- a big percentage will end up our students need. And then
ty is to have normal contact working in Russian speaking we can come up with a plan. I
with various people, because careers. I know that even if you can think of a variety of ways
nobody behaves themselves are from an English-speaking we can solve this. You have
in a room like when you are background and you go to to use your brain. This is one
not in the room. The goal is an American university, you of the issues which we have
always to be like you are in a spend 4 years learning how to to think about. We will solve
Mark Twain novel when you write in English. I know that this problem.
can go out and nobody knows students coming here from
who you are in reality. Then Russian backgrounds can’t Thank you, Andrew, for
www.auca.kg
you can watch interactions as properly write in Russian. In your time. We are all look-
an unnoticed observer. Ide- so far as we make them write ing forward to continuing to
ally that would be possible. exclusively in English, we are build AUCA – in all senses
One fun thing about the Kyr- taking away their possibility – with you, and good luck in
gyz classes I take is that stu- to achieve a high level of flu- your hard presidential mis-
dents first recognize that we ency in Russian. To me, given sion and learning Kyrgyz!
are in one group, but since we that the majority will have to
are all asking and answering work in Russian, it is a big By Jamby Djusubalieva
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 19

20. Featured Profile
Natalia Slastnikova:
The Way to Success
Y ou may ask: what is the best word that
describes this woman? The answer:
development. She has her own formula for suc-
cess, which, as time shows, has turned out to be
very effective.
“If you want to be successful, be proactive,
creative and well prepared”, Natalia Slastniko-
va explained.
Natalia has two technical degrees, signifi-
cant administrative and teaching experience,
and is currently the executive director of Lead-
ership Development. She came to AUCA 12
years ago, joining the teaching staff, as well as
contributing her administrative capabilities.
A teacher by vocation, she delivers learner-
focused instruction in leadership, teambuild-
ing, communication, organizational behavior,
career planning and development. She has
more than 25-year experience in education.
At AUCA she has served on the President’s
team by coordinating and performing a wide
variety of administrative and support activi-
ties. Since 2002 her leadership has been utilized
in development and resulted in the creation of
the alumni association, annual fund, and par-
ent fund. Finally, the advisory board for busi-
ness administration program was created with
the help of her well-established relations in the
business community. Natalia Slastnikova
Four years ago Natalia was assigned to
develop two new projects: the career center and personal enrichment and professional develop-
the continuing education center. These are now ment.
well known in the AUCA community, Bishkek She has been engaged in the development
and beyond. of multiple career center projects in Kyrgyz-
“AUCA was a small entity; there were so stan. More than 20 Career Centers have been
many things to do. I just caught an opportu- developed in higher education institutions. She
nity. My philosophy is very simple: by develop- is the author of three manuals for students and
ing others we develop ourselves”, Slastnikova career centers that are published with USAID
said. support.
Excellent execution of such projects has left She is always active in the community and
a positive impression on the students, potential volunteers her time advising the local AIESEC
employers, and many businesses. In less than team, conducting trainings on leadership for
four years the continuing education center has high school students in the region and career
now served more than 6000 non-traditional stu- trainings for students in other institutions.
dents, and its portfolio includes more than 50 Her formula for success accompanies Nata-
leading Kyrgyz and international companies. lia everywhere she goes: “If something is unde-
The courses and trainings developed by veloped, you always have a chance to develop
Natalia, such as effective presentation and pub- it.”
lic speaking, management skills, leadership in
organization, and career planning are aimed at by Alexandra Revina
20 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

21. Students in Action
Karlygach Nurmanbetova'11:
Giving Back to the Community
L istening to a success sto-
ry is always interesting
and exciting. Taking this into
consideration, we would like
to introduce to you Karlygach
Nurmanbetova. She is a senior
of International and Compara-
tive Politics (ICP). Karlygach
has chosen ICP, because it is her
main interest, and also because
it is a field that can help her to
make a difference in the world.
Currently she works as a FLEX
alumni coordinator for Ameri-
can Councils for International
Education and is an activist for
the Unity Fund at AUCA.
“I believe that brilliant and
active young people are the ones
who can change things for the
better. They are the true treasure
of our nation,” reassures Karly-
gach. Participation in the FLEX
program played a crucial role in
Karlygach’s decision of where
and what to study. After arriving
back home from the U.S. most of
the FLEX alumni have a sharp
sense of responsibility for mak-
ing a contribution to the devel-
opment of their country. Her job
was to lead alumni to implement
any of their great ideas, and
arrange different kinds of proj-
ects and events. It was impor-
tant for her to be able to inspire
alumni to action, and also to Karlygach helping at the Children Cancer Center
help them understand the fact
that the program does not end other active volunteers who the very beginning the students
when they arrive. In fact, it only helped and joined the Fund. The were implementing only certain,
marks the beginning, and it is all Unity Fund would not be able to basic activities. Later, it became
in their hands to get the best out operate without the great sup- a fund. The name UNITY sym-
of their alumni experience. port of the initiators and volun- bolizes the unification of differ-
This young lady of many teers. Two AUCA students were ent people regardless of their
www.auca.kg
interests is also actively involved pioneers in this: Nadezhda Pak nationality. Thereafter, many
in charity at the Unity Fund. The and Jennie Jie. Nadezhda Pak, other small range projects were
Unity Fund was initially created a FLEX 2010 alumna, became implemented. But everything
to help the victims of the tragic very active immediately after was done with the support of the
events in Osh. This marked the her arrival from the U.S. Jenny volunteers, many of them AUCA
moment when the youth of Kyr- Jie, originally from China, has students.
gyzstan rose to contribute to their always been willing to help Kyr- The academic year has just
society, and there were many gyzstan in any possible way. In started, but Karlygach and other
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 21

22. Students in Action
AUCA Unity Fund team
activists have already implement- ing young lady? Answering this thing I have, and my native vil-
ed many activities (i.e. visiting the question, our guest said that her lage – Kochkor, located in Naryn
Psycho-Neurological orphanage job brought her to feel this way. oblast, is the best place on the
in Belovodsk, the child cancer Before she was just an ordinary planet for me,” says Karlygach.
center; bringing children from student, concerned with com- “For the small successes I
Osh to the Flamingo Park; pur- pleting her homework, doing have achieved up to this point I
chasing medicines for the south). her own business, and nothing want to thank my parents, who
The Unity Fund members were more. But after her year serving were always there for me, who
active during the whole summer, as alumni coordinator, Karly- believed in me and my strength.
and the momentum helped them gach has realized that everybody They are the people who gave me
to continue through the beginning is responsible for those who are so much, not asking for anything
of the academic year. The very first in need, especially children. And in return, and devoted their entire
activities were gathering humani- it is not right to be indifferent lives to my brother and me. My
tarian aid for Osh and Jalalabad, and to stay aside, acting as if friends serve as an example for me
which was the most important nothing bad is really happening. and also as a great support. My
issue. Many children from Osh She was nurtured by this sense teachers, professors, and elders
arrived in Bishkek for rehabilita- throughout the whole year, and have taught me so much, and I
tion, and during this period the is willing to carry it in her heart am still learning and will keep
activists were fortunate enough to in the future as well. learning from them,” Karlygach
take about 100 children to the Ala- Besides university and phi- concluded.
Too cinema and to the Flamingo lanthropy, Karlygach has plenty A bright and talented
park. of other engagements. She enjoys AUCA student, a responsible cit-
Karlygach is the type of writing poems and stories; loves izen of her country, and a person
person who believes that every- cooking, which helps her relax of unbelievably kind heart, Kar-
one can do their bit to change and gives freedom to her imagi- lygach is an example all AUCA
the world. How did this philan- nation. The thing she enjoys the students can aspire to be.
thropy and incredible desire to most is visiting her parents. “My
help people come to a charm- parents are the most precious by Aliona Kim
22 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

23. Alumni Spotlight
Cholponbek Jumashukurov`02:
Conquering Corporate
America
the university was able to gather
truly exceptional talent. I hope one
day these people will lead Kyrgyz-
stan.
In terms of education, AUCA
gave me a particularly strong
knowledge in accounting (Tati-
ana Filippovna), macroeconomics,
(Munara Artykovna), and manage-
ment and organizational behavior
(Kamila Dushebaevna). Later in
my career I always felt I had solid
foundations in these subjects.
AUCA is obviously a very
important part of my background.
It is becoming more well-known
as more alumni spread around the
globe each year. Though the Amer-
ican-style grading system was a
big plus, 10 years ago when I stud-
ied, it was less known. Therefore,
it was important to differentiate
myself from fellow students. I was
very fortunate. I feel that it played
a key role when later applying to
these fine institutions.
What are your thoughts
about success? Can you claim
Our special guest and author of What was your experience at you are a successful person?
AUCA success story is Cholponbek AUCA? It is too early to tell whether
Jumashukurov. He graduated from AUCA was great for me, I I am successful or not. In terms of
AUCA in 2002, majoring in Busi- wouldn’t exchange it for any other my achievements so far, I think
ness Administration, and currently university in the world. I made they were due to a combination of
works as an analyst at Farallon Capi- my closest and best friends there, a lot of luck and hard work.
tal, a private investment firm based including Adilet Dadybaev, Taalai In terms of hard work it has
in San Francisco. He won an FSA Nasirdinov, Kanybek Konok- been important to set the correct
FLEX scholarship to study at a high baev, Azamat Ibraimov, Chyngyz long-term direction and be very
www.auca.kg
school in the U.S. and afterwards Jamankulov, Bek Chalbaev, Ulan focused and disciplined in execut-
entered AUCA. He received his MBA Kojomuratov, and Edil Azhi- ing it.
from Harvard University and has baev. I met many wonderful and I have also been fortunate in
experience working in the investment impressive individuals like Almaz having the right mentors at differ-
and banking sector. Prior to Faral- Bazarbaev, Asel Kasenova, Aijan ent stages. It is very important to
lon, Cholponbek worked at Deloitte Soodaeva, Daniyar Ilebaev, Elnura find and stick with a person, from
and Touche, McKinsey and Goldman Osmonalieva, Mirlan Karabukaev, whom you can continually learn.
Sachs. it’s impossible to name everyone, I also keep a list of lessons I learn,
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 23

24. Alumni Spotlight
but I’m not disciplined in actually AUCA? est national debates are on how
reading them later. It is a gradual process. As to allocate country’s large reserves
In general, I am a relaxed AUCA increases its alumni base and how to more fairly conduct
person. There should always be a and the existing base matures, the the hugely popular Kyrgyzstan
work-life balance. I like to party alumni should be able to provide citizenship lottery.
and probably did actually party more serious support for the uni-
too much during my freshman versity. This will work as long as What do “Harvard boys” do
year at AUCA. AUCA keeps providing a good in their free time?
student experience and continues There are probably many
And talking about the years investing in keeping alumni con- stereotypes about Harvard and
at AUCA – any more fond memo- nected. The support from alumni its alumni. I enjoy spending time
ries? should not be limited to partici- with my family, reading books,
One of my great memories pation in fundraising activities, watching movies, playing soccer
is the Halloween party during my but more importantly giving back and watching team sports. I like
2nd year, when my friends and I through sharing knowledge and to read as much as possible. As
prepared a scary room, which was experience with current students. I famous investor, Charlie Munger,
so popular that it caused a long know some examples of my peers says, reading is the best way to
line. We charged a fee to enter and who voluntarily taught subjects become wiser. I have a long list of
won the best room award, and in AUCA after earning degrees books I want to read.
were rewarded with a huge cake. abroad. Over the years my friends Again, my work-life balance
We used part of the money to buy and I did a couple of presentations is important. Success does not
a large bottle of Coke for us. Sweet to current students on the manage- equal happiness. As Ingrid said,
memories: fun, cake and soda! ment consulting industry, telecom “Success is getting what you want,
sector, retail banking, professional and happiness is wanting what
To your mind, what else services abroad and how to apply you get.”
makes AUCA a special place? to top MBA programs abroad.
First, what I liked most So, what's next for you? Any
about AUCA is the lack of cor- We also know that AUCA ambitious investment plans?
ruption and bribes. It is really became the place where you met I like where I am now. Direc-
unique in post-Soviet countries, your wife. Could you kindly tionally, I would like to continue
and AUCA is much different elaborate on this? investing in myself and becoming
than some other local universities. I met Saltanat in Bishkek, but a better professional. The three
Secondly, AUCA’s scholarship not exactly at AUCA. We studied best investments in life are your
program and admission process there at different times but obvi- education, your health and your
provided great opportunities for ously still share the same univer- relationships. They all usually pay
students from Kyrgyzstan’s prov- sity background. She studied eco- off well.
inces, who usually come to Bish- nomics, and now is continuing her
kek with no special social ties to education here in the U.S. Saltanat Anyone you would like to
enter better colleges. I saw many has a unique personality, which is thank who has influenced who
talented students from rural areas tough to find; and I am very fortu- you are today?
be able to study and excel there. nate that we are together. Yes, professionally I am
Finally, AUCA’s care and respect thankful to several people, includ-
for students makes it a truly spe- If you had to live your life ing Tatiana Parfenova and Kamilla
cial place. I remember how the over again, what one thing would Sharshekeeva, my favorite AUCA
school’s administration did every- you change? professors; Julia Mikhailova, my
thing to improve students’ lives, I would not really change manager at McKinsey; Michael
how it increased computer lab and anything. There are a couple of Kho, my senior buddy at Gold-
library hours so students could mistakes, which I strongly wish I man; and Bill Duhamel, my pre-
better prepare for exams, how the had avoided, but they are in the vious mentor and the man who
university assigned a special bud- past. introduced me to value investing.
get which the student senate could I was also heavily influenced by
distribute for various projects. Your craziest dream? the books, essays, and speeches
The Kyrgyz Republic proud- of Stephen Covey, Warren Buffett
You are an alumnus now ly entering the list of top 10 coun- and Charlie Munger.
and can look back and make tries in the world with the lowest
judgments about education and corruption and crime rates; the
its meaning. How do you see best education, healthcare, and By Aliona Kim
the role of alumni in supporting business opportunities. The fierc-
24 AUCA Magazine*November 2010

25. Alumni Spotlight
Chyngyz Jamankulov`02:
A New Star in the Banking Sector
AUCA is proud of many of
its brilliant graduates from all over
the world, and every success story
is precious and worthy of attention,
because it is our extreme joy to see
our students growing and pursu-
ing great careers and achieving
new heights. Chyngyz Jamanku-
lov graduated summa cum laude
in 2002, and holds a bachelor’s
degree in Business Administra-
tion with a concentration in bank-
ing and finance. At the moment,
Chyngyz is responsible for man-
aging credit risk of retail lending
products such as personal loans,
credit cards and mortgages in his
capacity as Head of PFS Credit at
HSBC Bank. He joined the Royal
Bank of Scotland (former ABN
AMRO Bank) in 2007 in a lateral
move to broaden his skills and
areas of expertise after spending
five years with Deloitte in inter-
nal control and audit advisory. standing professors who shaped for regrets in his life, he quoted a
Chyngyz recently became a part his thinking. In particularly he famous song “Regrets I’ve had
of HSBC Bank after it acquired the mentioned Tatiana Parfenova, an a few, but then again too few to
retail banking assets of the Royal accounting professor, and Chinar- mention…” Another component
Bank of Scotland in Kazakhstan. bek Otunchiev, a visiting lecturer of this successful entrepreneur is
As any professional in his filed, he on capital markets. He is grateful to to live with the maxim that each
can be characterized as a serious, his professors for the example they day he should learn something
purposeful, hard-working per- were to him, of loving knowledge new. This is his biggest motiva-
son, and at the same time curious and being always willing to learn. tion. If some free time is there, he
and fair. Talking about being an AUCA is a keen supporter of Arsenal and
His AUCA years were a spe- alum now and what it means, he is always enjoys a chance to watch a
cial time for Chyngyz and he keeps sure that alumni can promote the good football game. He also likes
fond memories of his friends and AUCA brand through their per- taking long walks and having
studies. He reminisces, “AUCA sonal successes, through passing deep conversations with his wife.
provided me with a solid academ- their knowledge and experiences Family and friends are important
ic foundation and a close circle of to students as visiting lecturers, or for Chyngyz and he highly values
friends. Its excellent reputation assisting them in job related or oth- close relationships with them.
helped me get a job at one of the er queries. Last but not least, they Speaking about his plans for
best employers in the market. can directly contribute to AUCA future, our hero says: “I plan, in the
Unwavering adherence to its core through participating in fundrais- short run, to continue to work in
values and its vibrant and inspir- ing campaigns. Chyngyz believes retail banking in Kazakhstan and,
www.auca.kg
ing culture make AUCA a special it is vital to stay connected and be possibly, in other countries. In the
place. I will always remember an thankful in a practical way to the long run, I would like to return to
energetic and pleasant atmosphere university. Kyrgyzstan and apply my experi-
that was always present in the cor- When asked about success ence in risk management in my
ridors and cafeterias of the univer- and how he would describe it, home country.”
sity.” Chyngyz said that it is impera-
Chyngyz had the privilege tive to have a clear vision and
of taking classes from many out- work hard to make it happen. As by Aliona Kim
AUCA Magazine*November 2010 25

26. Alumni Spotlight
Elnura Osmonalieva'06:
LIFE THROUGH A CAMERA LENS
Elnura Osmonalieva is a promising independent filmmaker and producer. She came to AUCA in 1998 after
a student exchange year in the USA as a FLEX program participant. Being very interested in camera work,
photography and drama, Elnura joined the Journalism department, but later transferred to the International
and Comparative Politics department. Today Elnura is back on the filmmaking path. A few months ago she won
the International Almaty Film Festival with her film “Shaken Zhuldyzdary”. In addition to her new hardware,
Elnura was also the winner of the Best Director Award at the Master Class of Ernest Abdyjaparov and was the
Main Award Winner at the Second Auteur Film Festival for young filmmakers of Central Asia.
Elnura, you have just returned from the film lowing your own vision. This includes brushing away
festival in Amsterdam. What was this trip all the desire and expectation to succeed. Filmmaking
about? also heavily affects my personal life. In Amsterdam I
The International Documentary Film Festival met a number of people who had decided not to have
of Amsterdam (IDFA) is children, so they could
one of the leading docu- focus on filmmaking only.
mentary events in the It struck me again, this real-
world. It offers an exclu- ization of how much com-
sive training program mitment cinematography
for emerging filmmak- requires.
ers, producers, and film It is a lot of fun, nev-
students from home and ertheless. Meeting people
abroad. Each summer the and working with people
IDFA Academy organizes who are usually fun, differ-
summer schools to help ent, not-normal in a good
filmmakers to strength- sense. Traveling and hav-
en the narrative of their ing the privilege to create
films. I was invited to something that everybody
attend the IDFA summer has an interest in. “Cin-
school to work on the ema” and “film” are magic
“Pasture in the Skies”, a words, and most people
documentary film I am want to be a part of it, either
working on this year through being in a film or
with Jasper Osmund, a by watching it.
well known editor from I get much support
Denmark. Thanks to this from my husband Tolondu
workshop, I now know Toichubaev who did a lot
much more about struc- to get the post-Soviet Kyr-
turing a documentary in gyz cinema off its dead
its script stage and later zone. He co-founded a
during the editing. production company “Oy
Art” together with Aktan
I assume you have Abdykalykov, and with
often heard this ques- great input from Altynai
tion: is it easy to be a young film director? Koichumanova “Oy Art” was able to produce suc-
Filmmaking never seemed to be, nor did it turn cessful films and push around the idea of indepen-
out to be easy. The work of a filmmaker requires a dent filmmaking. The result is a new group of film
lot of input - intellectual, artistic and physical, and makers with prizes from big festivals and people`s
when combined with producing, the workload dou- interest in Kyrgyz cinema.
bles. You follow your artistic desires and then you
find yourself in a situation where you need to prove So how come you chose this path? Is there
something to others through your films. Every single anyone or anything that has influenced your deci-
person in your audience comes to watch your film sion?
with the desire to be satisfied. The challenge comes My mother Nasiba was the main person who
in brushing away the expectations of others and fol- gave me my backbone. Most of the things she taught
26 AUCA Magazine*November 2010