Professor Lachezar Tsotsorkov
The man who believed that the meaning of life was to leave a better world behind
Prof. Lachezar Dimitrov Tsotsorkov, PhD (October 16, 1945 – May 16, 2017) was a native of Panagyurishte. As a far-sighted manager and visionary for the modern development of the Bulgarian mineral and raw materials industry, he headed Asarel-Medet for over 30 years and presided the Bulgarian Chamber of Mining and Geology for more than 25 years.
He was acknowledged of the highest state award, the Stara Planina Order - First Degree, and many national and international awards, including Manager of the Year award, which he won in 2009.
Prof. Tsotsorkov was declared an honorary citizen of the town of Panagyurishte and the town of Strelcha. As one of the largest Bulgarian donors and patron of Bulgarian culture, he has been repeatedly acknowledged with the Golden Age award by the Ministry of Culture. He supports many charitable causes and initiatives for the development of culture, education, healthcare, sports, social care and youth activities. His vision for the development of his homeland is the foundation of large sponsorship and partnership projects that change the face of the Panagyurishte municipality. The treasure hall of the Golden Treasure of Panagyurishte and the public-private partnerships for the construction of the sports hall Arena Asarel and the Uni Hospital General Medical Treatment Facility create long-term added value and new prospects for the region.
His paragon as a great patriot, generous donor and worthy Bulgarian leaves an indelible mark that will continue to live in the memory of generations and inspires his family to establish the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Family Foundation in his honor.
The Professional High School of Industrial Technologies, Management and Tourism in Panagyurishte has been named after him since 2025 since he was the initiator of the dual training program. The Asarel Foundation annually awards the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Scholarship to an outstanding student from the University of Mining and Geology and a prominent business leader is awarded the Regional Development Award named after Prof. Tsotsorkov every year during the Manager of the Year ceremony. This act is a token of respect and recognition for the contribution of the person whose life fulfilled his own credo and showed that the meaning of life is to leave behind the world a better place.
For me, the feeling that you are an upright person, that you are doing the right thing, that you are fair to yourself and to others, that you are truly doing good has always been of a primary importance.
Lachezar Tsotsorkov