Today, Baitursynuly University is celebrating the 80th birthday of Professor Serikbay Ospanuly, a scholar of philology and a researcher of Yburai Altynsarin’s legacy.
To mark the occasion, the university hosted a ceremony where colleagues, students, and community leaders paid tribute to the esteemed professor.
Professor Serikbay Ospanuly’s life story serves as an inspiring example for today’s students. Born in Zhangeldy District, he applied to the Journalism Department at Kazakh State University and, despite stiff competition, earned his place.
After graduation, he worked at the State Radio Committee, then as an editor, and eventually headed a department at Zhalyn Publishing House. Following an invitation from friends, he returned to his hometown and has been teaching at Baitursynuly University since 1997.
Although retired, the professor remains deeply involved in research, studying the legacy of the great Yburai. He holds a special place in Kazakh literature, having received numerous awards, including the Yburai Altynsarin Prize, the international Zhambul Prize, the Akhmet Baitursynuly Prize, and the Alash Literary Award. He has authored over 40 books and poetry collections, many of which have been adapted into songs performed by artists like, Valentina Tolkunova, Makpal Zhunusova, and the group Muzart.
One well-known song based on his poems, “Sagyndym Almatymdy”, evokes warmth and nostalgia for student days.
Seitbek Kuanishbayev, Rector of Baitursynuly University, praised the professor for his invaluable contributions to science and education, saying:
- Today, we celebrate your remarkable contributions to science and education. Your work has truly benefited our nation. We wish you welfare and a long, happy life!
Professor Ospanuly thanked everyone for their kind words and shared some final thoughts:
- Success and joy come from hard work. No matter what happens, the key is to never stop learning and growing.
