Fundația Umanitară ASSIST offered the 2025 Excellence in Education Award to Professor Dan Popescu
For Fundația Umanitară ASSIST, education remains one of the most important pillars of community development. Thus, every year, we honor a teacher who shapes generations of young people through hard work, passion, and responsibility with the Excellence in Education Prize.
In 2025, the award was presented to Professor Dan Popescu, mathematics teacher and principal of “Ștefan cel Mare” National College in Suceava. The distinction, valued at 7,500 lei, was granted during the 12th edition of the “Autumn Symphonies” event, in front of an audience of more than 8,000 people.
Education in the spotlight
The award ceremony was an emotional moment for us and for the thousands of people who knew Mr. Popescu or had the privilege of being his students. Sharing the stage with him were Andrei Cioban, President of Fundația Umanitară ASSIST, and Professor Daniela Lungoci, last year’s laureate, who handed over this year’s award.
Thank you for the honor and for the emotions! I am proud to belong to a category of people who may sometimes seem naïve, sometimes absurd, but always believe that formal education can change the world. I am grateful to all the students and teachers I have met throughout my life, especially the community around ‘Ștefan cel Mare’ College.
A career spanning over four decades
With more than 40 years of teaching and leadership, Professor Dan Popescu has made his mark both in the classroom and as principal. Throughout his career, he has educated hundreds of students, inspired trust, and built an academic environment that fosters excellence and performance at the highest levels.
Since becoming principal of “Ștefan cel Mare” National College in 2001, he has kept the institution at the top nationally through outstanding academic achievements. A 100% success rate in national exams, hundreds of Olympiad participants, and numerous international medals stand as proof of a strong educational and administrative vision.
Furthermore, through his role at the Suceava County Center of Excellence, he opened new opportunities for gifted students, helping them prepare for competitions of the highest difficulty. These achievements highlight his perseverance and constant dedication.
Excellence in education is not measured only by medals or statistics, but above all by the way teachers manage to inspire, to shape character, and to prepare future generations. Mr. Popescu is an example of consistency and passion, and our community must shine a light on such valuable people.
Excellence in Education, year after year
The award presented to Professor Dan Popescu continues a tradition started in 2022, through which Fundația Umanitară ASSIST has honored teachers who have transformed our community:
- Prof. Costică Costan (2022)
- Prof. Dr. Petru Crăciun (2023)
- Prof. Daniela Lungoci (2024)
We wish for this distinction to remain an annual milestone and a source of motivation for all those who dedicate their lives to educating the next generations.
Support our mission of strengthening the Suceava community through education!