The First Americans in Bulgaria conference was held recently at the American University in Bulgaria to honor the memory of professor Dimi Panitza.

Professor Evelina Kelbecheva moderated panel discussions were moderated. Key topics included the activities of American missionaries from the 1850s through the 1940s, as well as the United States' impact on Bulgaria since 1945, according to a press release from the university. Speakers included professors and associate professors from Sofia University, New Bulgarian University and the American University in Kosovo.

Dr. Angela Rodel discussed the connection between the United States and Bulgaria via folklore and closed out the conference by singing a regional folk song, accompanied by a traditional tambura.