On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the University of Primorska, Faculty of Management, held its 27th graduation and awards ceremony.
This year’s event once again took place in the pleasant atmosphere of our faculty, where graduates ceremoniously received their diplomas, while their companions were able to witness this important milestone live.

The diplomas and awards were presented to this year's recipients by the Dean of the Faculty of Management, Prof. Dr. Tatjana Horvat, who wished the graduates all the best in their future endeavors and encouraged them to step boldly into the future. Prof. Dr. Rok Strašek, Vice-Rector for Economics and Finance of the University of Primorska, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, perseverance, and dedication.

The ceremony was further enriched by the heartfelt speech of the President of the Student Council of the Faculty of Management, Narajan Mehmedović, who expressed pride and joy on behalf of the students and congratulated all the graduates on their achievements.

The graduation ceremony is an important moment for the graduates, symbolically concluding a period of intense academic work, personal sacrifice, and growth. It represents recognition for all their effort and accomplishments throughout their educational journey.

From January 1 to December 31, 2024, a total of 228 students graduated from the Faculty of Management. Among them were 126 undergraduate students, 67 master's students, and 5 doctoral candidates, reflecting the broad spectrum of educational achievements at our institution.

Each year, the Faculty of Management awards the most outstanding and deserving students, graduates, academic staff, researchers, and faculty members. The awards were presented by the Dean Prof. Dr. Tatjana Horvat, Student Council President Narajan Mehmedović, and Vice-President Nina Nikolič. Their presence and heartfelt congratulations added a special note of respect and encouragement for the graduates as well as for the faculty and staff.

Award for Best Thesis (Undergraduate Level):

• Damira Mutić, graduate of the Professional Higher Education Programme in Management, for the thesis "Brand Development with the Help of a Community", mentored by Prof. Dr. Mitja Ruzzier

• Nina Grujović, for the thesis "Attitudes of Consumers When Buying Products of Brand X", mentored by Prof. Dr. Tina Vukasović (who, unfortunately, could not attend the ceremony)

Award for Best Master’s Thesis:

• Klavdija Hribar, graduate of the Master's Programme in Management, for the thesis "The Importance of Empathy in Leading Different Organizations", mentored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana Arzenšek

Awards for Academic Excellence:

• Kristian Tomić – for the highest GPA (9.36) in the University Study Programme in Management

• Maja Jovanov – for the highest GPA (9.79) in the Professional Higher Education Programme in Management

• Gordana Petkovska – for the highest GPA (9.36) in the University Study Programme in Management

• Ana Ožbolt – for the highest GPA (9.78) in the Master’s Programme in Economics and Finance (not present at the event)

Award for Contributions in Education:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elizabeta Zirnstein

  
  Dr. Zirnstein teaches various law-related subjects at all three levels of study, connecting theory with practice. Her research focuses on labor law and, in recent years, health law. She played a key role in designing and now directs the Master’s Programme in Law for Management. She organizes numerous events, panels, and workshops that promote the faculty and provides students with real-world experiences, such as court visits. Highly respected by students, she has mentored 14 master’s and 42 undergraduate theses and consistently receives excellent ratings in student surveys. She is also active in legal education for companies through the GDI UP project.

Award for Best Teacher Based on Student Surveys:

• Prof. Dr. Mirko Markič

  
  In the academic year 2023/2024, students rated Prof. Markič with an average of 5.43 (on a scale of 1 to 6). He taught Strategic Management, Management, Organization Management, and Sustainability Policy. Students praised his engaging lectures, practical examples, encouragement of critical thinking, and valuable insights that helped them understand complex topics and prepare for real-world business challenges.

Award for Excellence in Tutoring:

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Dubravka Celinšek
  As the tutoring coordinator, she significantly contributed to the smooth integration of students into academic life. She provides special support to students with special needs and strengthens the sense of community among tutors. Her efforts lay the foundation for students’ long-term success at UP FM.

Awards for Contributions to Organizational Quality:

• Robi Regoršek

  
  Robi has long been a dependable presence at the Faculty, ensuring smooth operations in general services, the student office, and academic services. His organizational skills, helpfulness, and care for the faculty's infrastructure are vital to the educational and research process.

• Petra Herbst

  
  With her precision and professionalism, Petra contributes to the successful implementation of study programmes and supports both students and academic staff, enhancing the faculty’s excellence and reputation.

• Mihaela Kosančič

  
  Mihaela plays a crucial role in the development of the faculty’s research activities with her meticulous, responsible, and innovative approach, fostering new projects and strengthening the faculty’s presence in the research community.

Award for Exceptional Contribution to Faculty Development:

• Prof. Dr. Simona Kustec

  
  Prof. Kustec initiated the development of the Center for Knowledge Transfer (CRPZ), connecting UP researchers with businesses and organizations. Under her leadership, the center fosters partnerships, raises the university's visibility, and enhances economic impact. The Fortissimo project won 2nd place in the Inspiring Client Journey category at the EEN Annual Awards 2023. She also organized the “INNOVATION. Full Stop.” event, highlighting the importance of collaboration for innovation and sustainable progress.

• Senior Lecturer Mag. Suzana Sedmak

  
  She passionately leads and organizes the UP FM MIC scientific conference, where faculty members and graduate students present and publish their work. The conference also strengthens external collaborations. She lectures actively, mentors students, and contributes to numerous research projects, promoting both academic excellence and student career development.

Award for Research Excellence:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Armand Faganel

  
  As Vice-Dean for Quality and Programme Director of the Master's Programme in Sustainable Development Management, he also coordinates the GDI UP project “Marketing and Sales 5.0”. He actively publishes in high-ranking journals and connects the faculty with the business world. He mentors students, encourages critical thinking, and engages them in research projects, significantly contributing to the faculty’s research reputation and future opportunities.

Award for External Collaborators:

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Mitja Steinbacher

  
  As an external lecturer, Dr. Steinbacher supported the faculty during a shortage of internal staff by delivering lectures under a freelance agreement. Despite his full-time role as Dean at the Catholic Institute's Faculty of Law and Economics, he traveled to the coast to teach UP FM students. His dedicated work greatly enriched the study programme and inspired many students.

The graduation ceremony marked an important milestone for graduates and their supporters, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new journey. We sincerely congratulated all graduates and award recipients and wished them continued success in the future.
We are confident that the knowledge and values gained at the Faculty of Management will guide them toward even greater achievements.

Congratulations to all graduates and award recipients on their outstanding accomplishments!

Podelitev diplom in priznanj 2025