First Day of the Faculty of Engineering

The first celebration of the Day of the Faculty of Engineering of the Catholic University of Croatia was held on Friday, 10 October 2025, in the “Blessed Alojzije Card. Stepinac” Hall at the University.

The celebration began with a Holy Mass in the University Chapel, presided over by Asst. Prof. Odilon-Gbènoukpo Singbo, Ph.D. from the University Department of Theology, and concelebrated by Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., Rector. In his homily, Dr. Singbo highlighted how the Gospel itself calls us to “unity in diversity”, of which the University is a perfect image:

“We have various departments and faculties, which means different branches of science and views of the world and of humanity – all under one institution, the Catholic University of Croatia. The University is also a community of diverse people, perhaps of different worldviews and interests. This diversity becomes the essential leaven for mutual enrichment and shared growth.”

He also reflected on the significance of the day:

“Today we celebrate the first Day of the Faculty of Engineering. Due to the rapid development of technical sciences, our world has long entered what is called a technicist or technocratic society. One of the main criticisms of such a society is the lack of critical thinking and the rise of technically determined behaviour… The heavenly patron of our Faculty is Saint Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia on 12 October 2006, at the age of fifteen, and was canonised by Pope Leo XIV just a month ago, on 7 September. Apart from his love for computers and the Eucharist, which he called ‘the highway to Heaven,’ he was deeply aware of the uniqueness of our calling. He used to say: ‘All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.’ There is no place for superficiality or mediocrity. His concern for others, following the example of Jesus from today’s Gospel, calls us to view our time at this academic institution as an opportunity for shared growth. May his life, marked by selfless service and sincerity, inspire us to live courageously, to work for the good, and to nurture genuine human relationships.”
 

The academic ceremony gathered members of the University administration, heads and deputy heads of departments, deans and vice-deans of faculties, lecturers, students, and numerous partners of the Faculty of Engineering with whom collaborations, student mentorships, and practical projects are planned.

Distinguished guests included Prof. Patrizia Poščić, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies at the University of Rijeka; Prof. Ante Jukić, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at the University of Zagreb; Prof. Jana Žiljak Gršić, Ph.D., Dean of the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences; Assoc. Prof. Krešimir Pripužić, Ph.D., Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb; Asst. Prof. Ivan Vidović, Ph.D., representing the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology in Osijek; Assoc. Prof. Marko Gulić, Ph.D., representing the Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka; and Hrvoje Puljiz, Director of CARNET. The University was especially honoured by the presence of Prof. Frank Violet, Ph.D., Vice-Rector of the Catholic University of Lyon and a member of the Board of the European Federation of Catholic Universities.

In his address, Rector Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., emphasized that the technical sciences are a new area within the University’s academic community, which has so far been dominated by the social, humanistic, and biomedical fields:

“We are facing new circumstances that include computing, artificial intelligence, the relationship between humans and machines, and ethical questions of freedom, responsibility for the common good, and the understanding of anthropology. In our study of Computer Science, we have placed strong emphasis on examining, identifying, and addressing ethical issues. This programme will be both a challenge and an enrichment for our University, as new students and professors will bring diversity and contribute to the overall range of study programmes we offer.”

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Zlatan Car, Ph.D., reflected on the path leading to this moment:

“If we look back a few years, we can see how long the road has been. The idea of founding a study programme in computer science first appeared in mid-2017, and the question was not whether we could have a Faculty of Engineering, but why we should have one. Since then, there have been many stages – attempts, corrections, rejections – but also lessons that made us more determined. Finally, on 17 September 2024, the Catholic University of Croatia received accreditation for the undergraduate study programme Computer Science for Social Applications. Our programme is unique in Croatia. It views computer science not merely as a tool but as a means of understanding and advancing knowledge and society. It is a study that places the human person and society at its centre, connecting programming, data science, artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and social responsibility. Our students, even in this first generation, already demonstrate what is most important – curiosity, courage, and a sense of responsibility. They understand that technology is not neutral, that behind every algorithm lies a decision, and behind every decision – values.”

As part of the celebration, the Faculty also presented its patron saint, Saint Carlo Acutis, the Italian youth known as the “cyber saint”, “God’s influencer”, and “saint in jeans.”

Finally, certificates of appreciation were awarded to partner institutions and individuals who contributed to the establishment of the Faculty’s functional infrastructure, the development of its interdisciplinary approach to computer science, the preparation of the study programme, and the accreditation process.