“The award of an honorary doctorate is not just recognition of an individual, but a reflection of all those with whom I have shared ideas, projects, and values throughout my career. With particular joy and pride, I accept this recognition, aware of the responsibility that comes with it,” said Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak, Rector of Alma Mater Europaea and the new honorary doctor of the University of Mostar, during the ceremonial award and proclamation as part of the University of Mostar Days.
Toplak particularly emphasized the importance of long-standing academic collaboration, which began several decades ago and has been continuously developing since then. “From the time of Rector Zdenko Kordić to today, I have witnessed the transformation of the University of Mostar into an internationally recognized institution, capable of competing in the global academic market. Your dedication to the development of education, science, and art, as well as the preservation of the Croatian national identity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is an example of how a university can be both a scientific and cultural support to its community,” he pointed out. As one of the key factors in strengthening international academic cooperation, Toplak emphasized that his actions were not only focused on organizing joint projects but also on connecting the University of Mostar with the European academic network. Through projects, scientific symposia, and student exchanges, he said, the institution has become recognized and respected on both the European and global level. “I see my role as a bridge connecting the academic community of the region with the world. I promise to continue sharing my knowledge and experience with others and strive for progress in the fields of science, culture, and art. Once again, thank you for this exceptional honor,” concluded academician Toplak.
Prof. Toplak made an invaluable contribution to science and cooperation
“Academician Ludvik Toplak is one of the most important figures who shaped the academic and scientific community in the former Yugoslavia. Through his work, he made a significant contribution to the development of academic and scientific thought in Slovenia, managing key universities and higher education institutions with exceptional success. Committed to ethical and scientific principles, he particularly stands out for his empathy toward the academic community. He devoted his entire professional life to connecting scientists and institutions, promoting joint cooperation to achieve new, innovative scientific and academic results,” said the Rector of the University of Mostar, Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić, in his welcoming speech, emphasizing Toplak’s role in affirming scientific values, cooperation, and networking the University of Mostar with the European academic community. In his concluding words, Rector Tomić highlighted that the University of Mostar, through this honorary doctorate, expresses gratitude and recognition for everything that Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak has done not only for this institution but also for the entire region. “The award of this doctorate is not just recognition of his past achievements but also confirmation of our belief in his ongoing role in advancing education, science, and culture,” concluded Tomić, expressing confidence that this recognition would further strengthen the cooperation between the University of Mostar and Alma Mater Europaea University.
Recognition for a visionary role in the academic community
The Senate of the University of Mostar made the decision to award an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) to Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak, upon the proposal of the Expert Committee for the award of the honorary doctorate of science, composed of Prof. Dr. Marin Milković, Academician Mladen Bevanda, Prof. Dr. Dragan Ljutić, Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić, and Prof. Dr. Snježana Pehar. Toplak is the 19th honorary doctor of the University of Mostar, a title that carries with it both pride and responsibility for the promotion of the University.
Toplak is a visionary who understood the key role of education and science in shaping a better society. Through his tireless fight for tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation, he showed what it means to be a true leader,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Marin Milković, Rector of the University of North and Chairman of the Committee, adding that Prof. Dr. Toplak’s dedication to creating programs that connect academic communities across Europe has enabled not only student mobility but also strengthened the shared mission in educating future leaders. “Professor Ludvik Toplak, through his life and work, shows what it means to be a leader, teacher, researcher, and humanist. He is an example of all the values we cherish and adhere to as an academic institution,” concluded Rector Milković.
The honorary doctorate was solemnly awarded to Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak, Rector of Alma Mater Europaea, in recognition of his exceptional academic work, which has left a profound impact on the European and global academic scene. The award of the honorary doctorate serves as a reminder of the strength of the academic community in connecting people, cultures, and ideas, as well as the importance of continuous investment in education and scientific work in order to build a better and more sustainable future. Through collaboration and dialogue, as highlighted in the speeches, universities can become true catalysts for change and progress. Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak remains an inspiration not only for the academic community of the University of Mostar but also for all those striving for excellence, innovation, and the building of international bridges in the world of education.
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