The evening of November 28, 2024, marked the beginning of the Social Gathering celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of BUEM (The Bratislava University of Economics and Management) with a presentation of the university's achievements and milestones. The Rector of VŠEM, Dr. h. c. Associate professor Ľuboš Cibák, PhD. MBA, highlighted the significant impact of the decision made by the university's founder and emeritus rector, Dr. h. c. professor Viera Cibáková, CSc., in March 2004 to apply for and secure state approval for the operation of a private university. The inaugural academic year commenced in the fall of 2004, and over the past two decades, this educational institution has proudly graduated more than 20,000 students across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

The Rector emphasized the vital role of both domestic and international partners from academic, professional, and economic spheres, with whom the university has closely collaborated.

During the Social Gathering, the Rector of BUEM presented awards, including letters of appreciation and plaques. Representatives from partnering institutions who contributed to the development of innovation in higher education received letters of appreciation. Among them were the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, Ningbo University of Finance and Economics, and Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics. The President of the Lisbon School of Accounting and Administration, Dr. Pedro Pinheiro, personally accepted the letter of appreciation on behalf of his institution. Todor Kableshkov University of Transport was represented by its Rector, Dr. h. c. professor Daniela Todorova, PhD.

Former and current employees and academic officials of BUEM were also honored with letters of appreciation and plaques for their active contributions to the university's development. Plaques recognizing support and active collaboration with BUEM were presented to PaedDr. Lucia Lednárová Dítětová, MBA, Dr. h. c. Ing. Mário Lelovský, Dr. h. c. professor Ľudmila Lipková, CSc., and Mgr. Martin Martinkovič, PhD.

The founder and emeritus rector, Dr. h. c. professor Viera Cibáková, CSc., was awarded a plaque for her contributions to the advancement of higher education in Slovakia. Deeply moved by the honor, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude. For many attendees, the Social Gathering was an unforgettable event, as it provided a unique opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about their time at the university.