Over half a century, the University of Montenegro has become a beacon of knowledge and ideas, the key to success in giving and reciprocating

At the University of Montenegro (UCG), during its half-century of existence, it has grown into a beacon of knowledge and ideas, and the key to success lies in giving and reciprocating, as stated during the UCG Day celebration where honorary titles of professor emeritus were conferred, doctoral degrees promoted, and awards given to the best students.

The Rector of the University of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Božović, stated that UCG, marking its 50th anniversary this year, has matured into a beacon of knowledge and ideas and that today, more than ever, boldness and imagination are key ingredients for universal social progress.

"These qualities reside in our student benches. Thus, this anniversary is a call to everyone, especially our students, to break the shackles holding society in outdated patterns, to pave the way to a developed and prosperous society with their energy and creativity. If I had to describe this day, this place, and you, whom I am addressing, in one word, it would be excellence," Božović declared.

He expressed great honor in addressing those who have built and continue the tradition of excellence at the University of Montenegro.

"With your wholehearted help, I am sure that the best is yet to come," Božović conveyed.

Professor Dr. Mladen Ulićević highlighted feeling exalted for receiving the recognition and honorary title of professor emeritus and believes that all holders of this title have an additional duty to promote and affirm the University.

"I share this plaque, this recognition with my colleagues from our home, the Faculty of Civil Engineering, because the key to success is in the original—you must give to receive. Therefore, the key to success lies in giving and reciprocating. The flywheel that drives the University must not stop," Ulićević clarified.

The title of professor emeritus was bestowed upon Prof. Dr. Mladen Ulićević and Prof. Dr. Šerbo Rastoder.

Ilija Ćetković from the Institute of Marine Biology said that it was a particular pleasure to have completed his doctorate during the jubilee of the University of Montenegro, with a message that the path through science is challenging but not difficult, as each year of education brought him pleasure.

"I wish to tell younger students never to be afraid to pursue science, but rather that is exactly what they should do to reach the good things in life. Now I need to initiate the procedure for election to a position at the University of Montenegro, so I hope this is a starting point in my future career," Ćetković stated.

One of the best students at the University of Montenegro is Helena Perović from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, who is currently pursuing masters studies in Belgium. She stated that she invested a lot of effort and work but enjoys studying mathematics, has the support of her family and friends, and her greatest goal is to always challenge herself and enhance her knowledge.

"I think young people should not be afraid of mathematics. It is a beautiful science, mathematics is everywhere in nature. Young people should seek out the curiosities of mathematics, and not be scared off by seeing many formulas. I am now in Belgium. I would love to return to Montenegro to bring back the knowledge I have gained here and to motivate young people to love mathematics," Perović shared.

Promoted doctoral graduates are: Dragan Baćović (Faculty of Sport and Physical Education), Nevena Cupara (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Ilija Ćetković (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Anton Đokaj (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Milica Jovanović (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Goran Jovetić (Faculty of Economics), Tamara Labudović (Faculty of Philology), Luka Lazović (Faculty of Electrical Engineering), Anđela Mijanović (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Sunčica Rogić (Faculty of Economics), Milica Stanišić-Vujačić (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics), Ognjenka Šarenac (Faculty of Medicine), Kristina Gvozdenović (Faculty of Political Science), Emir Muzurović (Faculty of Medicine), Milena Petrović-Zdravković (Faculty of Medicine), and Ana Radulović (Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor).

Rector Božović awarded two prizes in the fields of technical, natural-mathematical, and medical sciences to students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Helena Perović (10.00) and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Sara Milinković (10.00); in the field of social sciences to students from the Faculty of Philology, Magdalena Smolović (9.98) and the Faculty of Economics, Milica Damjanović (9.96); and in the field of arts to a student from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Teodora Raičević (9.97).