THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ZENICA WAS MARKED WITH THE PROMOTION OF THE GRADUATES OF THREE CYCLES OF STUDY

Today, the ceremonial promotion of graduates of all three cycles of studies at the University of Zenica was held in the "Husejin Smajlović" City Arena, marking the 25th anniversary of the work of this higher education institution. 11 doctors of science, 53 masters of science and 349 graduates were promoted at the promotion.

In a festive atmosphere, in front of numerous guests, students and families, the Rector of the University of Zenica, Prof. Dr. Sc. Jusuf Duraković, congratulated all those promoted, emphasizing that each diploma from the University of Zenica represents years of effort, sacrifice and faith in the power of knowledge.

"The university must be free - university autonomy is not a privilege, but a constitutional and civilizational obligation. No government, no policy, no interest group has the right to encroach on academic freedoms," said Rector Duraković, stressing that the University's obligation is to create conditions in which young people will stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and not leave it.

On behalf of the graduates of the third cycle of studies, Dr. Đelaludina Šukalić, pointing out that this day is filled with pride and gratitude.

"Students should be proud of their effort and perseverance, professors and mentors of the knowledge they have imparted, and families of the support they have provided. The knowledge we have acquired carries with it power, but also an obligation — to apply it in practice and build a better, more humane world," said Dr. Šukalić.

On behalf of the students, the representative of the Student Union of the University of Zenica, Vildana Durić, spoke, saying that the graduates are proof that knowledge, persistence and faith in their own abilities are the strongest weapons they possess.

"The freedom to think for yourself, to ask, to doubt, to express your ideas and stand behind them - that's what makes knowledge a real power. Freedom is not a luxury, it is a responsibility, and it is precisely such people that our society needs," emphasized the representative of the Student Union in her address.

The University of Zenica Rector's Award for students with the best performance, participation and activities during their studies in the academic year 2024/25 was received by eight students, and on behalf of the awardees, Edin Kohnić addressed the audience, who emotionally recalled the journey of study filled with challenges, but also faith in success.

"This is not just an award for knowledge - this is an award for courage and perseverance, for everything unsaid and for every 'I can do a little more', said when it seemed we couldn't do it anymore. Today we stand here as those who succeeded - not because we were perfect, but because we didn't give up," said Kohnić.

The ceremonial promotion was also an opportunity to mark a quarter of a century of existence and work of the University of Zenica, which today brings together eight faculties and more than 4,000 students, and continues to strengthen the quality of education and scientific research in the Zenica-Doboj Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina.