Feast of the Annunciation Marks the Day of the University Department of Communication Studies

On the Feast of the Annunciation, Wednesday, 25 March 2026, the Day of the University Department of Communication Studies was celebrated. The Holy Mass in the University chapel was presided over by Rev. Borna Puškarić, MA, parish priest of St. Blaise Parish in Zagreb. Concelebrants included the Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission, Prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD; the Secretary General of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, Assist. Prof. Krunoslav Novak, PhD; Prof. Jerko Valković, PhD; Assist. Prof. Odilon Singbo, PhD; and the University Chaplain, Rev. Branimir Jagodić.

Following the Mass, a formal academic ceremony was held in the “Blessed Alojzije Card. Stepinac” Hall.

On behalf of the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, the attendees were addressed by the Vice-Rector for Organization and Operations, Prof. Gordan Črpić, PhD. In his address, he emphasized that expectations for the University Department of Communication Studies have always been high, remain high, and will be even higher in the future—but that the Department consistently meets and surpasses them. “In today’s world, where there is increasing disconnection and where communication is often shaped by media in the tone of advertising, promotion, and marketing activities, and where young people are increasingly suffering from depression and loneliness due to social media, our Department successfully fulfils the serious task of communicating the ‘good.’ This ‘good’ encompasses many aspects—from research and teaching to work with students—and it is clearly visible that, year by year, there is ever more of this good,” Vice-Rector Črpić concluded.

The Head of the University Department of Communication Studies, Prof. Danijel Labaš, PhD, presented the work and achievements of faculty and students, highlighting that the Department is continuously growing—in the number of staff, published papers, books, invited lectures, and, despite demographic challenges, in the number of students.

Awards for outstanding academic achievement in the 2024/2025 academic year were presented to Emanuela Malešević, Nika Baić, Marija Čampa, Mihaela Paluh, Maja Karolj, Nora Kljajić, Petra Gudelj, Laura Prpić, and Doris Božičević. The award for the best master’s thesis, “Critical Analysis of Media Literacy Content in Teaching Materials for Primary Education,” was awarded to Doris Božičević (mentor: Assoc. Prof. Lana Ciboci Perša, PhD), while recognition for exceptional extracurricular engagement was given to Mia Franceković, a member of the LADO Ensemble and the “Ivan Goran Kovačić” Folklore Ensemble.

After the awards ceremony, an accompanying student programme was held. Third-year undergraduate students Alma Danović, Brigita Džaja, Leda Ježek, and David Laštro read their reflections on the Pope’s message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications. Three short videos showcased student creativity and acquired skills in television production. Second-year graduate students Antonio Bebek, Leticija Deltin, and Mia Franceković performed a three-part rendition of the 14th-century Šibenik Prayer, set to music by Vedran Bonačić.

The formal academic ceremony was moderated by first-year graduate students Nora Kljajić and Dominik Fogadić.