It is with deep sorrow that AUBG announces the passing of Emeritus Professor Mark Stefanovich. Prof. Stefanovich taught Archaeology and Southeast European Studies in the Department of History and Civilizations from the second year of AUBG’s existence in 1992 until his retirement in 2016. A cornerstone of AUBG since its inception, He was one of the university’s founding faculty members.
His expertise in archaeology and Southeast European Studies enriched the curriculum and inspired generations of students. Prof. Stefanovich’s legacy extends far beyond his academic achievements; it resides in the hearts and minds of the students he touched.
One of Prof. Stefanovich’s greatest achievements outside of the classroom was earning the degree “Doctor of Sciences in History” from the Institute of Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Science, a remarkable accomplishment for a non-Bulgarian. For his exceptional service to AUBG, he was awarded the honorary status of Emeritus Professor during AUBG’s first recognition ceremony in 2017.
Mark dedicated his life to academia and sharing his passion for history with his students in and outside of the classroom. He wasn’t just a professor; he was a mentor, a guide, and a friend. Mark put students before everything else. His dedication went beyond textbooks and lectures—it was about fostering growth, sparking intellectual curiosity, and nurturing the human spirit.
In search of ways to create opportunities for his students’ field work, Prof. Stefanovich started a collaboration with Iliya Kulov and the Regional Museum of History in Blagoevgrad in 1995. For about 10 years, the team worked on excavation expeditions around Blagoevgrad that helped explore the life of the Blagoevgrad territories during the late bronze ages. Some of the findings can be still seen in the museum’s exhibitions.
Colleagues and alumni remember the stories he shared, the laughter that echoed through his classes, and the countless “aha” moments when students discovered new perspectives. Mark’s impact transcended academia; it shaped character, resilience, and empathy.
Professor Stefanovich’s impact on his students is evident in the heartfelt tributes shared by his former students on social media.
“Pure curiosity – and luck – led me to take Anthropology 101 with Prof. Stefanovich in my freshman year,” Nora Petrova (’09) said. “Today, I remember very few specific details from most classes I took, but I still remember some of the fascinating stories from cultures around the world Prof. Stefanovich was telling us in his gentle and engaging way. I entered the class with barely an idea what anthropology was. By the end of the semester, he had instilled in me a deep love of the subject, a love which is with me to this day. Thank you, dear Prof. Stefanovich! Your legacy lives on.”
“Knowing Mark during my student years was a blessing,” Dimiter Simov (’96) said. “If there is one thing I remember vividly from my AUBG years, it is that “If you don’t read those books today, you will never read them.” This is Mark’s wisdom. I still have books from those days that I have not read yet. Speaking of books, I recall an episode in his office. The office was full of books. We were talking about scientific publications (I think I had the idea of translating and publishing something in Bulgarian and expecting to make some profit). He pulled out a massive book – a detailed coverage of some archaeological site. He asked me to guess the number of copies the book was published in. I guessed into the tens of thousands. He then showed me the number. It was 300. I could easily be the person who took the most classes with Mark… Of course, there were also the digs at Kamenska Chuka and the work at the archaeological lab. I learned to recognize clay structures, to distinguish various finishing techniques, and to reconstruct pottery – Mark taught me of course. I used to go through thousands of pieces trying to put together multiple puzzles at the same time. Today I am collecting all the shards I find in my garden in Gurkovo. I have a bucket full of them. I feel very happy when I find two pieces that fit together. Rest in peace, Mark!”
“I took comparative mythology with Prof. Stefanovich and loved it,” said Kristiyan Dimitrov (’15). “His class was thought-provoking. At the same time, there was a certain sense of peace in his lectures. The specific thing I remember was being late for class one day and saying ‘excuse me for being tardy’. He laughed loudly and poked fun at me for trying to sound fancy. Rest in peace Mark! Thank you for being a wonderful teacher and human being.”
“Mark was a force of nature,” Radu Luchianov (’96) said. “Like monsoons. Easily riled up and quick with his favorite Serbian curses, annoyed maybe, but never angry. Even when upset he had that twinkle in his eyes and laughed at the world. He helped so many students with his approachable method and friendly, down-to-earth expositions and discussions, helped us see the world and ourselves as together, find our similarities and dig at our mental seams. Took us on trips through the modern world and peeled away the ancient layers, with stories of what the prehistoric and barely historic might have been. I went to AUBG to study computer science and journalism and after that 1992 first year in his mesmerizing intro class completely changed course. I was his teaching and research assistant, blessed with his friendship like pretty much everyone around him, student, teacher, or staff. We worked on projects in various media, pushing the envelope technology provided at the time. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more. Rest in peace, Mark.”
“We became instant friends when I joined AUBG in 1997 and he was always the most supportive among all, and my best friend in these early years, calming me down when I flared up on occasion,” said Prof. Erdinc. “Always signing his messages to me with: “Your Balkan buddy/brother”. He was my first mentor at AUBG, we worked closely together at Board meetings, curriculum committees. He was truly committed to liberal arts vision and a great intellectual. He used to give me an advice: “If someone talks stupid, who is actually not, you don’t have all the information” One of the major reasons why I loved AUBG so much and decided to stay so long. He was larger than life – will be deeply missed.”
“It was 2008 when I asked Prof. Mark Stefanovich to conduct my first peer review at AUBG,” said Dean Sabina Wien, who used to teach the Bulgarian language courses. “I was teaching Bulgarian Language and Culture and needed a professor who spoke Bulgarian but not as a native language. Mark agreed without hesitation, saying, “We must support our new colleagues.” But he added one condition: in the classroom, I had to treat him like a student. I agreed. Though grateful, I was terrified. Having an academic of his stature in my classroom to evaluate me was daunting! In class, Prof. Stefanovich participated fully, like a diligent student. He seemed to enjoy the class and his unusual role. His peer review was excellent, ending with, ‘Thank you for reminding me of my own college days.’ This is how I will remember Mark: always enthusiastic, supportive, and dedicated to AUBG’s wellbeing. Rest in peace, Mark. Your legacy will live forever.”
As a response to the numerous heartwarming comments that were shared by Mark’s students and colleagues, his daughter, Alexia Stefanovich, shared: “I wish he could read them. He was an amazing professor and loving dad. We miss him dearly”
Prof. Stefanovich’s dedication to AUBG and his field of study has left an indelible mark on our community. His great sense of humor, love for teaching, and passion for history have changed the lives of generations of students. Mark will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His family and friends are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
