Tenth Anniversary of the University Department of Nursing

On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, the University Department of Nursing of the Catholic University of Croatia celebrated its tenth anniversary of conducting undergraduate and graduate nursing studies, as part of the recently established Faculty of Health Studies.

The celebration began with a Holy Mass in the University Chapel, presided over by Professor Dr. Ante Crnčević, Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity, and Mission of the University, concelebrated by Professor Dr. Jerko Vlaković from the University Department of Communication Sciences, Associate Professor Dr. Josip Bošnjaković from the University Department of Psychology, Assistant Professor Dr. Odilon-Gbènoukpo Singbo from the University Chair of Theology, and University Chaplain Rev. Branimir Jagodić.

In his homily, Professor Crnčević reflected: “Looking back on ten years of the University Department of Nursing, the largest department at our University by student numbers, we want to recognize the multitude of small, everyday moments that have shaped its life. By choosing Saint Teresa of Calcutta as its patron saint, the department emphasized that the vocation of those who dedicate themselves to nursing is to cultivate a culture of humility. Nursing encounters people who need little, yet that little is of great value and meaning to them... The wisdom of the Gospel often speaks of smallness—drops, crumbs, and fragments—not to diminish abundance, but to remind us that the eternity Christ has prepared for us does not depend on grand deeds, but on devotion to what we do and the love with which we enrich our service... In the Eucharist, a little bread and a few drops of wine become the nourishment of true abundance, the food of eternity. It takes only the wisdom of His Word and a small piece from the altar for us to be filled with God’s grace, experience His closeness, and live in a way that brings healing and blessing to others,” he concluded.

The academic ceremony and accompanying program continued in the Aula Magna of the Catholic University of Croatia. The celebration gathered numerous members of the academic community, University leadership, deans, vice-deans, and heads of departments, along with representatives of the Ministry of Science, Education, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Health, the Croatian Chamber of Nurses, the Croatian Chamber of Midwives, hospital directors, and representatives of professional associations.

On behalf of the Rector, Professor Dr. Gordan Črpić, Vice-Rector for Organization and Business Affairs, addressed the audience: “While preparing for this speech, I searched our archives to revisit the history of nursing studies at our University and found the first program from 2008, which proposed two graduate study tracks: Research and Management in Nursing and Communication in Nursing. The study of nursing was finally launched in 2015 and began its ten-year journey, which we now commemorate. The first head of the Department was Professor Dr. Marta Čivljak, who faced the challenging task of structuring and leading a program that today counts 378 students, making it the largest at the University. Thank you, Marta, for your dedication and leadership, and to you, Ivica, I wish every success going forward,” concluded Vice-Rector Črpić.

In her address, Assistant Professor Dr. Iva Ivanković, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth, praised the University’s efforts, noting the continued growth of nursing and midwifery studies and the consistent interest of students, as shown by full enrolment quotas. She emphasized the importance of preserving the core values of nursing and midwifery—humanity, professionalism, and ethics—and encouraged the Faculty to continue promoting excellence in the education of future healthcare professionals.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Ms. Snježana Krpeta, mag. med. techn., highlighted the importance of launching the midwifery program at the Catholic University of Croatia, noting that healthcare institutions in Zagreb and the surrounding areas increasingly face shortages of midwives, as existing programs have mostly been available outside the city. Establishing this program, she said, allows young people to study in their own community and strengthens local healthcare capacity. She also commended the Faculty for the high quality of its teaching and for the active engagement of students during classes and clinical practice.

As part of the celebration, a special program titled “10 in 10” featured ten speakers—faculty members and current and former students—who shared reflections and memories from the past decade of nursing education.

The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies, Assistant Professor Dr. Ivica Matić, addressed the audience: “I want to thank all of you who have entrusted your education and development to us. I know it is not easy—trust is always a gift and a challenge. Perhaps elsewhere it might have been simpler, but you chose the path of togetherness, personal encounter, and genuine presence. You chose closeness over distance—a path that forms not just a diploma, but a person... These ten years mark growth, effort, and community. Thanks to the dedication of the University administration, the first head Professor Čivljak, our students, teachers, and collaborators from numerous institutions, we have built something lasting. From a department, new study programs, new graduates, and new professors have emerged. This academic year, the Department has evolved into the Faculty of Health Studies. This is not merely a change of name—it marks a new chapter. The Faculty is important not only for nursing and midwifery but for the entire University, as it unites two professions sharing the Church’s mission—the care for life from its beginning to its end,” he concluded.

Awards were presented for outstanding academic achievement in the previous academic year, for the best master’s thesis, and for exceptional extracurricular engagement, as well as certificates of appreciation to partner institutions for their role in student education and mentorship.

The Folklore Ensemble Ivan Goran Kovačić enriched the ceremony with performances of the Croatian national anthem, the song “Dober denek dobri ljudi”, and the academic hymn Gaudeamus igitur.