16 June 2024 | Maruševec, Croatia [Neven Klačmer with tedNEWS]
A very special joint graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, 16 June in Maruševec, Croatia, marking fifty years of such ceremonies at the Maruševec Educational Centre. Exactly fifty years ago, the Adventist Theological College, now known as Adriatic Union College (AUC), moved from Rakovica, Serbia, to the recently completed campus in Maruševec, making 2024’s graduation a historic moment. This year, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of both Adventist High School Maruševec (AHSM) and AUC students.
Friends, parents, and relatives of the graduates gathered to honour those who had completed their degrees. The joy and camaraderie evident on everyone’s faces captured the unique spirit of the Maruševec community.
The well-coordinated and uplifting programme was led by Elizabeta Skobe Barbir, AHSM’s Headteacher, and Radenko Džuver, the Dean of AUC. Key messages for the weekend were delivered by Nemanja Boričić, a Serbian psychologist and popular YouTuber. Distinguished guests included the Mayor of Maruševec Municipality, Mario Klapša, Tomislav Vincek, Headmaster of Gustav Krklec Primary School, and Željka Gajski, Head Nurse of Varaždin General Hospital, among many others.
In a programme glorifying God and recognising achievements, the central moment was the awarding of diplomas to twenty-six students graduating as nurses/technicians and seventeen students graduating as physiotherapist technicians. The headteacher, along with her colleagues, also presented awards and commendations to the outstanding students, as did representatives of the founders.
AUC awarded bachelor’s degrees in theology to Anja Patricija Cikač from the Slovenian Conference and Vinko Nasić from the Croatian Conference. During the programme, Džuver paid tribute to the late pastor and professor Darko Pirija, a cherished long-term employee of the college who passed away after a prolonged illness, leaving a lasting legacy. He also announced the upcoming appointment of pastor and professor Matija Kovačević as the new Academic Secretary starting in the next academic year.
The event was beautifully enhanced by musical performances from the Maruševec Choir and Ensemble. The vibrant scene of red, blue, and black uniforms among the attendees created a festive, memorable atmosphere.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional group photo on the stairs above the school’s multi-purpose building, culminating with the ceremonial tossing of academic caps. Listening to the testimonies from the high school and theology programme representatives, it was clear that regardless of their origins, everyone leaves Maruševec feeling inspired, enriched, and motivated to serve God and their neighbours.
[Photos: courtesy of Neven Klačmer]
Featured image: On the steps of the Maruševec Educational Centre, graduates and staff of Maruševec High School and Adriatic Union College gather with speical guests.
