Voices and Faces of UCA: Sergey Kazanzhi
In honour of the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) 25th anniversary, we are sharing the stories of those who have journeyed alongside the institution — the dedicated staff whose daily work helps bring UCA’s mission to life across the region.
The story of Sergey Kazanzhi is one such journey. His professional path is closely tied to the steady growth of UCA, seen not through grand theories but through years behind the wheel, witnessing the university take shape.
From the Early Days to Today
Sergey joined UCA in 2005 as a driver. “I started in 2005, and I’ve been working here for 21 years now,” he says.
One moment that left a strong impression on him was in 2008, during the visit of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to Kazakhstan: “It really felt like everything was going to grow from there,” he recalls. “That’s when you started to believe in the scale of what we were part of.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work has been witnessing the success of former students.
“I am especially proud when graduates thank us for the knowledge and skills they gained and share their achievements. It is inspiring to see how education helps people change their lives for the better.”
Over the years, he has seen UCA change, and always for the better. For Sergey, UCA is, first and foremost, an institution to be proud of — a place that provides education and specialised training, not just for children, but for the whole region, across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
“UCA is our institution, one we should be proud of, where people gain education and skills,” he says. “It matters for all three countries.”
Looking Ahead: Wishes for UCA’s Future
As UCA marks its 25th anniversary, Sergey offers his heartfelt wishes for the university’s future. “I hope we keep expanding as much as possible,” he says.
Through all these years, Sergey’s role as a driver has meant being part of UCA’s everyday movement — connecting people, supporting operations, and seeing the university’s footprint grow across the region.
His story is a reminder that the institution’s progress isn’t only about buildings and agreements, but also about the steady, reliable work of people like him, who have stayed with UCA from its early days and continue to believe in its future.
