The University of Mostar has posthumously awarded the honorary doctorate Doctor Honoris Causa to renowned writer, poet, and scholar Veselko Koroman as the University’s highest recognition for his exceptional contribution to the humanities and his longstanding collaboration with the academic community. His work significantly enhanced the reputation, development, and visibility of the University of Mostar, as well as the broader cultural and scholarly landscape.

“With this act, we did not merely wish to express symbolic respect, but to bear witness to the power of a life’s story, the depth of creativity, and the constancy of spirit. Veselko Koroman was a man whose pen shaped awareness, enriched language, and built identity. His words were both a home and a mirror for the people he belonged to—and a bridge to others. This doctorate is not just recognition of his literary legacy, but of an entire life, a life where thought was a space of freedom, words an expression of dignity, and poetry a quest for meaning,” said the Rector of the University of Mostar, Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić, in his address. He emphasized that Koroman's words have left a lasting legacy in academia and that it is the duty of its members to live by and uphold them.

Veselko Koroman, born in 1934 in Radišići near Ljubuški, was the author of 512 poems. His works have been included in 80 anthologies and 12 textbooks, and translated into 15 languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Turkish, and others. The Croatian Writers’ Association in Zagreb nominated him for the Nobel Prize in 2017 and 2018.

“Koroman’s poetry was condensed, yet opulent—every experience saturated with meaning. His poems were neither closed nor inaccessible, but open and inviting. In his poetry, words touch, invoke others, and create a space of meaning. That is why we cannot speak of Koroman merely as a poet of language. He is a poet of touch, of intellectual radiance, and universal closeness,” stated Prof. Dr. Dražen Barbarić, Chair of the Commission and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Mostar.

On behalf of the Koroman family, Veselko’s daughter Josipa Koroman Lelas expressed her gratitude. She highlighted that her father was an exceptional individual—not just a poet and writer, but also a person of deep knowledge, openness, and tolerance.

“Throughout his life, he strived to gather people who wanted and were able to contribute to the community, promoting equality and respect without diminishing the worth of others. He was especially dedicated to preserving and affirming the Croatian language and literature, ensuring their visibility and importance within our cultural space. The awarding of this honorary doctorate is a great honor for our family. We are proud that his work has been recognized, though we are saddened that he is not here to receive this award. We believe he is now watching from the 'azure garden,' alongside his friends from poetry and soul—Šop and Dante,” she said. She closed by thanking the University of Mostar for this meaningful honor and wished them success in all future endeavors in science, education, culture, and all areas in which the University works and contributes to society.

The Senate of the University of Mostar appointed an expert committee to evaluate the proposal for awarding the honorary doctorate. The committee included Prof. Dr. Dražen Barbarić as chair, and Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić, Prof. Dr. Miroslav Palameta, Prof. Dr. Boris Škvorc, and Prof. Dr. Jela Sabljić Vujica as members.

Veselko Koroman, one of the central figures of contemporary Croatian literature, left an indelible mark on the cultural life of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. As a poet, essayist, and literary critic, his works shaped literary thought and opened space for dialogue between tradition and modernity. His essays, noted for their philosophical depth and linguistic elegance, placed him among the most prominent intellectuals of his time. He was a member of numerous distinguished literary and scholarly associations and the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the “Polet” Award, “Goran's Wreath,” “Olive Wreath,” and the Charter with the Golden Coat of Arms of the Municipality of Ljubuški for Lifetime Achievement.

The award ceremony was held in the Conference Hall of the University of Mostar. The artistic segment of the program featured the leading actor of the Croatian National Theatre in Mostar, Robert Pehar, while the musical performance was given by the Choir of the Croatian National Theatre in Mostar.

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