Day of the University Department of Psychology Celebrated at the Catholic University of Croatia

The Day of the University Department of Psychology at the Catholic University of Croatia was solemnly marked on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The celebration began with a Mass in the University chapel, presided over by Rev. Assist. Prof. Jakov Rađa, PhD, concelebrated with Rector Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission Prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD, Prof. Jerko Valković, PhD, and Assist. Prof. Odilon Singbo, PhD.
 

Following the Mass, the programme continued in the “Blessed Alojzije Cardinal Stepinac” Hall. Opening addresses were delivered by Rector Tanjić and the Head of the Department, Assist. Prof. Dragan Glavaš, PhD. The Rector expressed gratitude to the entire Department for its contribution to teaching, research, and the broader development of society, emphasising the dedication and achievements of both staff and students.
 

In his address, Head of Department Glavaš presented an overview of the Department’s work and key achievements over the past academic year. He highlighted the strong interest in the programme, noting that nearly 500 undergraduate and 330 graduate students have completed their studies since the programme’s inception, with 303 students currently enrolled.
 

A central part of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to students for academic excellence in the 2024/2025 academic year. Awards were given to Antonija Hnatjuk, Lucija Kulišić, Iva Ivančić, Stella Lukač, Tessa Pavleković, Monika Knežević Dijanović, and Josipa Visković.

The award for the best master’s thesis was presented to Andrea Petrović, M.A. in Psychology, for her thesis “Social Identity and the Experience of Living as a Croatian National Minority in the Bay of Kotor,” supervised by Prof. Ivana Vrselja, PhD. The research addressed issues of ethnic identity, its dimensions, and perceived discrimination among Croats in the Bay of Kotor.

Awards were also presented for outstanding extracurricular engagement in promoting the Department and the field of psychology. These were awarded to students Anamarija Gregurović and Jelena Penjin for their active involvement in the Hexis Psychology Students' Club, including organising workshops, educational activities, and community-oriented projects.
 

On behalf of the award recipients, student Iva Ivančić addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of the University as a community that shapes not only knowledge but also character, responsibility, and sensitivity towards others.
 

The programme also featured a presentation of the activities of the Hexis student club, while musical performances were delivered by student choir members under the direction of Assist. Prof. Dominik Borna Ćepulić, PhD, and teaching assistant Nikolina Vukšić, further enriching the celebration.