Academia Institute of Technology held a ceremonial diploma award ceremony on Thursday, 18 September 2025, at Hotel Habakuk, where as many as 109 graduates of the programmes Economist, Civil Engineering, Informatics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Security and Media Production successfully completed their education. They received Slovenian short-cycle professional diplomas and British BTEC Higher National Diploma qualifications, which open doors to further study and international career opportunities. Student of the Year 2025 became mechanical engineer Emilijano Dančić.
Special recognition was earned by 43 graduates who graduated with distinction, whose success was also confirmed by independent external experts from the United Kingdom.
The ceremonial event began with a welcoming address by Barbara Uranjek, General Director of the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, who emphasised the importance of internationalisation of the Slovenian educational space and the role of Academia as a bridge between Slovenia and the global business environment.
This was followed by an address by Academia's Director Žan Dapčevič, who congratulated the graduates on their achievement and encouraged them to be "brave, creative, true to themselves" in the future. In his speech, he particularly highlighted two key values – trust and gratitude – as the foundations of personal and professional paths. He reminded the graduates that the true value of a graduate lies not only in knowledge and career, but also in how much they can give back to society.
The ceremonial speech was also delivered by Principal Mag. Vida Perko, who encouraged the graduates to use their knowledge responsibly and to develop the profession and society they are entering as new professionals.
Student of the Year 2025 is Emilijano Dančić
The special recognition "Student of the Year 2025" was awarded to Emilijano Dančić, mechanical engineer, who demonstrated exceptional dedication, excellent academic results and active participation in projects during his studies. In his address, he emphasised the importance of community, mutual support and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Donation in support of the local community – Academia initiator of the establishment of Caritas Clinic
The ceremony was also marked by a socially responsible gesture. Academia presented a donation of 2,000 EUR on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Clinic for persons without basic health insurance with a consultation centre in Maribor.
Two decades ago, Academia was the very initiator of the establishment of this Clinic, as in 2005 it proposed to the municipal authority the establishment of such a service and contributed the first funds for its operation. The Clinic, which operates under the auspices of Caritas, has been providing free healthcare to the most vulnerable groups of the population for 20 years – the homeless, the erased, stateless persons, Roma, over-indebted entrepreneurs and others who often remain invisible in society. Volunteers work there every day – a qualified nurse, general practitioners and specialists, and a dentist.
With this donation, Academia continues its long-standing tradition of social responsibility and confirms its commitment that education extends beyond classrooms and actively contributes to a better community.
Ceremonial conclusion
The event was enriched with musical performances by tenor Tim Ribič, joined by soprano Špela Pokeržnik. The highlight of the evening was the moment when the graduates ceremonially threw their caps into the air to the anthem "Gaudeamus igitur", symbolically embarking on new professional and life paths.
The event was once again excellently hosted by Academia media production graduate Natalija Bratkovič.
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Source: Academia (19. 9. 2025). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.
This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica
