New Generation of University Masters Graduated

On Saturday, 22 November 2025, the Grand Hall of the Catholic University of Croatia hosted the formal graduation ceremony for 203 new university masters in history, sociology, psychology, communication studies and nursing.

In addition to the graduates and their families, the ceremony was attended by the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D.; Vice-Rector for Teaching, Prof. Roko Mišetić, Ph.D.; Vice-Rector for Organisation and Business Affairs, Prof. Gordan Črpić, Ph.D.; Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Prof. Jasna Ćurković Nimac, Ph.D.; and Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission, Prof. Ante Crnčević, Ph.D.

On behalf of the Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Croatia, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Zagreb Mons. Dražen Kutleša, the graduation ceremony for the masters of history, communication studies and psychology was attended by Mons. Mijo Gorski, Auxiliary Bishop of Zagreb, who conveyed the Grand Chancellor’s congratulations and extended his own.

The graduates were also supported by their department heads: Assoc. Prof. Mario Kevo, Ph.D., Head of the Department of History; Assist. Prof. Dragan Glavaš, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Psychology; Assoc. Prof. Ivana Brstilo Lovrić, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Sociology; Assist. Prof. Ivica Matić, Ph.D., Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies; and Prof. Danijel Labaš, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Communication Studies. The ceremonial act opened with a communal prayer led by Bishop Gorski.

Rector Tanjić addressed the assembled graduates:
"We gather today to wholeheartedly congratulate our masters of communication studies, history, psychology, sociology and nursing, and to thank God for the knowledge and goodness in which they have grown throughout their studies—through lectures, colloquia, exams, and through friendships, conversations and encounters... The first truth about life and the first enduring bonds of goodness you experienced in your families. That is why I joyfully greet and congratulate your parents, spouses and families. Without your love, care and sacrifices, our graduates would not be here today... For the end, dear brothers and sisters, I offer the encouragement of the Apostle Paul: 'You must shine like stars in the world, holding fast to the word of life' (Phil 2:15-16). May the gentle light of the Gospel always guide you."

The solemn oath on behalf of the graduates of the Departments of History, Communication Studies and Psychology was read by Marin Marić (Department of Psychology), and on behalf of the graduates of the Departments of Sociology and Nursing by Dominik Vuksan (Department of Sociology), both requesting the Rector to confer the master's diplomas.

During the ceremony, the Rector’s Commendations for academic excellence were awarded to Doris Božičević, Martina Špilek, Monika Knežević Dijanović, Dinko Klinec and Ivona Škrinjar.

Speaking on behalf of the commended students from the Departments of History, Communication Studies and Psychology, history graduate Martina Špilek stated:
"We all came here to study what interests us and dreamed of earning our degrees. Along this path, we experienced many ups and downs... I thank the University leadership, our teachers, families and friends who supported us. When the light at the end of the tunnel seemed dim, I believe the Almighty guided our steps. I conclude with the motto of our heavenly patron, Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac: 'In te Domine speravi'."

Addressing the audience on behalf of the graduates from the Departments of Sociology and Nursing, nursing graduate Ivona Škrinjar said:
"Today we stand at the end of one important chapter, and even more at the beginning of a new one. We are here because of our effort, work, strength, patience and faith... The future may seem uncertain, but let us not fear what lies ahead. Let today remind us that our journey is just beginning, and that God’s grace will accompany us."

The ceremony was enriched by the harmonious performance of the Ivan Goran Kovačić folklore ensemble.