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Catholic University of Croatia Celebrates University Day and Announces Winners of the 11th CUC Photo Contest
On Tuesday, 3 June 2025, the Catholic University of Croatia (CUC) marked University Day and announced the winners of the 11th annual photo competition titled Pilgrims of Hope.
The celebration began with a Holy Mass presided over by Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., Rector of the CUC, concelebrated by Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission Prof. Ante Crnčević, Ph.D., General Secretary of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference Assoc. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, Ph.D., Prof. Jerko Valković, Ph.D. (Department of Communication Sciences), Assoc. Prof. Josip Bošnjaković, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology), Assoc. Prof. Richard Pavlić, Ph.D., Assist. Prof. Odilon Singbo, Ph.D. (Department of Theology) and University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić.

The official programme continued in the Bl. Alojzije Cardinal Stepinac Hall, where Rector Tanjić addressed students, faculty, staff, and students’ families:
“Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the founding of our University. I wish to thank our founder and first Grand Chancellor, Cardinal Josip Bozanić, for all he has done, and our current Grand Chancellor Archbishop Dražen Kutleša, who attentively and prayerfully supports and guides our work. Thanks also go to our first Rector, Bishop Dražen Kutleša. Our University continues to grow every year, with more students, teachers, and staff. I am grateful to all of you for your contribution to our academic community. Since last year’s University Day, we have achieved much: two new faculties are set to open in the fall, we’ve advanced significantly in digitalisation and international cooperation, increased Erasmus+ exchanges, and we hope to complete the campus reconstruction by autumn. Thanks be to God, to our heavenly patron Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, to the Ministry, and to our benefactors who support our mission.”

Rector’s Awards Presented
Undergraduate Excellence: Antonio Treppo, student of Sociology
Graduate Excellence: Katarina Užarević, MA in Psychology
Promotion of Catholic Identity: Marija Draganović, student of Psychology
Contribution to University Community: Hrvoje Crnogaj, student of History
Sports Achievement: Helena Vuković, student of Psychology
Speaking on behalf of the awarded students, Hrvoje Crnogaj emphasized the strong sense of family and community at CUC, stating that everything becomes more valuable and beautiful when shared, encouraging the university community to continue nurturing that closeness and goodness.

Faculty and Staff Recognised
Excellence in Teaching: Assoc. Prof. Irena Sever Globan, Ph.D.
Excellence in Scientific Research: Assist. Prof. Dragan Glavaš, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Psychology
Administrative, Technical, and General Service Achievement: Mr. Tomislav Murati, M.Sc.
Institutional Contribution to University Development: Prof. Hrvoje Štefančić, Ph.D.
Promotion of the Catholic Identity of the University: Luka Poslon, M.A.
Contribution to the University’s Social Mission and Recognition: Prof. Stjepan Kušar, Ph.D.
Speaking on behalf of the awarded staff, Dragan Glavaš expressed pride and gratitude, noting the honour of receiving the Rector’s Award.

11th CUC Photo Competition: Pilgrims of Hope
The second part of the programme celebrated the winners of the 11th CUC Photography Competition, supported by Rev. Mladen Horvat, Ph.D., and the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Croats Parish in Toronto. Since 2014, the contest has promoted student creativity through themes of faith, community, and personal reflection.
This year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope, drew inspiration from the 2025 Jubilee Year and its motto, “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). It invited students to capture moments of hope amid everyday life — expressions of kindness, courage, spirituality, human connection, and quiet perseverance.
A total of 62 photographs by 27 authors were submitted. A jury led by Assoc. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, Ph.D., along with Prof. Tomislav Anić, Ph.D., Prof. Roko Mišetić, Ph.D., Dr. Toni Ćosić, Assoc. Prof. Ivan Uldrijan, Ph.D., Kristina Mašić, M.Phil., and Matea Vidulić, M.Comm., selected 20 photos for the exhibition.
Though diverse in style, each photo conveys a deeply personal and spiritual message. Whether depicting prayer, sacred art, comfort, or human embrace, each one embodies tangible signs of faith and hope, speaking of courage, light, and resilience.
Third Prize (€100)
“Outline of Hope” – Tonka Ribičić, student of Psychology

Second Prize (€150)
“Ray of Faith” – Vedran Pavlović, student of Nursing
First Prize (€200)
“Flame of Hope in the Darkness” – Mihaela Paluh, student of Communication Sciences

The photo exhibition is on display on the first floor of Building B at the CUC campus and will remain open throughout the summer and autumn months.