The celebration of the first VERN' University Day was also an opportunity to award special awards from the rector to the best students who have particularly distinguished themselves with academic success, extracurricular activities, and professional achievements during their studies so far.
In the festive atmosphere of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, in the Small Hall, the first VERN' University Day was held, and on that occasion the first honorary doctorate was awarded to Mrs. Dr. hc mult. Doris Pack, as well as the first Rector's awards for students.
The event was also attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković , accompanied by ministers and senior state officials, as well as individual members of the European Parliament and the Croatian Parliament, representatives of the academic community and successful Croatian companies, and prominent alumni of VERN' University.
Rector Prof. Dr. Sc. Vlatko Cvrtila stated in his speech the criteria according to which Ms. Pack deserved to receive the first honorary doctorate of VERN. He recalled that Ms. Pack, through the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, then President of the Delegation for South-Eastern Europe, and later President of the Committee on Education and Culture of the European Parliament, had continuously monitored the development of VERN since 2001 and had provided valuable advice and support in our organic growth and development, thereby significantly contributing to the overall private initiatives in the higher education system in Croatia.
In addition, Rector Cvrtila emphasized, "Ms. Pack's role and importance for the international reputation of the Republic of Croatia is immeasurable, which is why the Senate of VERN' University decided to award the first honorary doctorate to her."
Laureate Dr. hc mult. Doris Pack thanked the committee that awarded her an honorary doctorate, Assoc. Prof. Dr. sc. Hrvoje Špehar from the Faculty of Political Science, Assoc . Prof. Dr. sc. Nikolina Borčić from VERN' University and Rector Cvrtila, and thanked the representatives of the executive authorities in the Republic of Croatia and other guests for coming.
"Connecting education and business is a very important process, and this is exactly what has been happening at VERN all these years, since I have been following it. Young people today need good and quality education, they are the future of this country and it is they who will make it more prosperous. I am convinced of this and that is why I call on young people to stay in Croatia" , emphasized Dr. hc mult. Doris Pack.
VERN' University's Director General Ivo Ivančić thanked her for her contribution, speaking in German, and on this occasion a documentary overview of VERN's development was also shown.
The celebration of the first VERN' University Day was also an opportunity to award special awards from the rector to the best students who have particularly distinguished themselves with academic success, extracurricular activities, and professional achievements during their studies so far.
The first Rector's Awards were received by the following students: Stipe Batur from the Business Communications Management study, Marita Čatić from the Public Relations study, Sara Đurković from the Entrepreneurship Economics study, Marta Miš from the Sustainable Tourism Development Management study, Iva Pahlić from the Journalism study, Marino Sulić from the Internet of Things study, Josip Šijaković from the Entrepreneurial Management study, Dina Uglešić from the Film and Television Directing and Production study and Vida Žagar from the Film and Television Directing and Production study.
