Day of the University Department of Sociology celebration

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the Day of the University Department of Sociology was celebrated. The holy mass celebration was led by prof. Stjepan Baloban, PhD, Head of the Center for the Promotion of Social Doctrine of the Church at the Croatian Bishops' Conference, in concelebration with the rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD, vice-rector for mission, identity and quality, prof. Jerko Valković, PhD, from the University Department of Communication Sciences and Rev. Darko Rogin.

In his homily, Professor Baloban highlighted three messages about peace and vigilance. The first one is from the epistle of St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, which points to the peace made possible by Jesus Christ, the second is from Luke's Gospel, in which Jesus calls his disciples to vigilance, and the third is a message related to St. John Paul II, Patron of the University Department of Sociology at HKS, a message of reconciliation for a world divided by war: "It is good to remember the words of St. John Paul II.  from the beginning of his papal service - "Do not be afraid! Open, moreover, open wide the door to Christ. Christ knows what is in man!".  In his homily, Professor Baloban referred to the teachings of Pope John Paul II. and his interpretation and commitment to solidarity: "Solidarity as a virtue and virtue is interpreted by Pope John Paul II as 'a firm and steadfast determination to stand up for the common good, that is, for the good of all and everyone' (Sollicitudo rei socialis, 38). In addition solidarity is a social principle by which institutions are organized so that they can serve people. I am glad that the Day of the University Department of Sociology is a sign of solidarity, a sign of humanitarian work for the poor and marginalized members of Croatian society. This is certainly in line with learning of your patron St. John Paul II". At the end of the homily, the preacher invited the students to research and not to be afraid to research, but also to be open to cooperation with all those who have the common good of the Croatian people, society and state at heart.

The ceremony continued with a ceremony in the "Bl. Alojzije card. Stepinac" hall, where the head of the Center for the Promotion of Social Sciences of the Church at the Croatian Episcopal Conference, prof. Ph.D. Stjepan Baloban, vice dean for teaching at the Faculty of Catholic Theology, University of Zagreb, prof. Ph.D. Ružica Razum, head of the Institute of Religious Sciences, associate professor Ph.D. Denis Barić, heads of University departments and vice-deans of the Faculty of Medicine of the Croatian Catholic University, professors and external associates of the University Department of Sociology and a large number of students, alumni, friends of the Department and collaborators from other scientific institutions were present.

On behalf of the University, rector Tanjić welcomed and congratulated the gathered. In his speech, he emphasized that today is not only an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and successes of our department, but also to express gratitude to all members of our academic community who work tirelessly to strengthen and develop our University. The Rector also highlighted the institutional contribution of the members of the University Department of Sociology, who played a key role in several important projects that shape the future of our university. "Your dedication and commitment were invaluable during the University's reaccreditation process. Your work and commitment have helped us to further improve our academic standards and ensure that our University continues to meet the highest criteria of excellence, and we owe a great deal of gratitude to everyone involved in the preparation of new study programs - new graduate study courses and entire new study programs and faculties ", said the rector.

The new head of the University Department of Sociology, Assoc. Ivana Brstilo Lovrić, PhD,  thanked everyone who contributes and gives value to the work of the Department and presented to the audience the work of the Department over the past year, which was marked by numerous successes - scientific monographs, external lectures, participation in conferences, published books and scientific works, and numerous other activities. At the end, she reminded the students of the message of St. John Paul II. - that they are the future and hope, that they persevere and that they do not wait for adults to decide on everything, but to take responsibility into their own hands.

On this occasion, awards were also given to the students in three categories: for the best academic success, the best graduate thesis and in the category for exceptional extracurricular engagement. Recognition for the best academic success achieved in the academic year 2023/2024. it was awarded to Viktorija Lončarić, for the 1st year of the university's undergraduate studies in Sociology, with a weighted average grade of 4.130; Lani Mamuli, for III. year of undergraduate university studies in Sociology, with a weighted average grade of 4,949; Beati Patljak, for the first year of the university graduate study Sociology - Management and Public Policy, with a weighted average grade of 4.339; Lani Jakupić, for the second year. year of the university graduate study in Sociology-Management and Public Policy, with a weighted average grade of 5,000 and Karli Arar, for II. year of university graduate studies in Sociology-Management and Public Policy, with a weighted average grade of 5,000.

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Award for the best graduate thesis in the academic year 2023/2024. was awarded to Marta Čagalj, for the diploma thesis "Sociological insights into the fashion practice of young people and fashion designers in Croatia: from consumerism to sustainability" made under the mentorship of Assoc. Ivana Brstilo Lovrić, PhD.

Recognition for exceptional extracurricular involvement in the academic year 2023/2024. in order to promote the Department and the profession, it was awarded to students Ema Strbad and Pero Josip Maslać, for numerous activities that contributed to the quality of student and academic life, the visibility of the academic community, the University Department of Sociology and sociology studies at CUC.

Pero Josip Maslać spoke on behalf of the awarded students, thanked the professors and the Department for recognizing their work, and invited all students, especially freshmen, to get involved in the activities of the University in any way, at least with advice or a landmark for those "lost" in the premises of the University , to connect with all colleagues from other studies, to enjoy studying at all possible levels and to create an experience from their student days that they will remember for a lifetime.

Assistant at the University Department of Sociology Lovro Knežević and sociology student Stjepan Kota graced the ceremony with a performance of Oliver Dragojević's composition "Cesarica" ​​on piano and tambourine. The program of the ceremonial academic act was moderated by student Petra Kašnar.

After the academic act, professors from the department and students of sociology, went to the People's Kitchen at Sveti Duh where they helped the Franciscan brothers and other volunteers distribute lunch to the poor.