The Rector of the University of Montenegro (UCG), Vladimir Božović, presented awards to the best students for the academic year 2025/26, for their outstanding success during their studies, at a ceremony held today at the Rectorate.
On this occasion, Božović emphasized that of all the events and ceremonies, this one has the highest value for him, and that it is a privilege to be in the company of the best students of the University of Montenegro, according to Mediabiro.
He particularly pointed out the importance of knowledge and education in the modern world, which is changing rapidly under the influence of new technologies and artificial intelligence.
"Artificial intelligence, with all its accelerations and forms, is dramatically rapidly suppressing the importance of human thought, or rather, human thought itself. Therefore, I believe that the role and value of universities will grow in the future, because they will be the key institutions for the defense and further development of human intelligence. In line with such expectations, you, as the best children of the university, insightful and thinking young people, have a special responsibility. You must protect the university, that special place for the development of human intelligence. Do not let the system, in the seductive Matrix of today, convince you that increasingly aggressive virtualities are what should be lived. Doubt - with measure, but consistently. Because doubt is the beginning of a long journey at the end of which the truth may reside. Likewise, dream and fantasize, because this is what makes us creative beings - different and unique," Božović said.
He emphasized that hardworking people, such as the students awarded today, defend not only their individuality, but also the very dignity of the human species.
"Dear our best students, the country that you inherit from us, the elders, is wounded. It was wounded by mental flaws by many before us, and to be honest, we, the generation of your professors, did not spare it either. That is why it is important that you, who have proven your excellence, help it recover. That with your talent, but also your morality, you free the essence of society from the dangerous toxicity in which creativity and knowledge are suffocated. I know that you have the strength to do it, so do not hesitate. That you make this country a place where knowledge is valued and kindness is respected. That you build a society in which there will be room for ideas, for culture, and for nobility. And if we have taught you anything, it is that the beauty of thought is the highest form of freedom," said Rector Božović.
The awards were presented as part of the celebration of International Students' Day on November 17, writes Mediabiro.
"International Students' Day is a date that has a special significance in the history of European and world education. That day reminds us that the student community, in addition to its academic role, also has a social role — to recognize challenges, to ask questions, to participate in improving the system and to be an active part of broader social dynamics. Celebrating that date obliges us to cherish academic freedoms, to build an environment in which knowledge is valued, and in which students have the right to vote and space for development," emphasized the President of the Student Parliament of the University of Montenegro (SPUCG), Jakov Vukčević.
He congratulated the awarded students and expressed his gratitude to the professors and mentors who guided them through the academic process.
"Quality education is always the result of joint engagement — of the student who learns and the professor who shapes and directs. Today's awards are also proof of their efforts. The awarded students come from different faculties, from different fields, with different interests. And it is precisely this diversity that is the strength of our University. It shows that quality work exists in all study programs, that excellence is recognized equally in social, natural, technical and artistic sciences, and that the University of Montenegro has the capacity to develop knowledge in a wide range of disciplines," added Vukčević.
This year's laureates are students who achieved exceptional results during their studies and thus ranked among the best at the University. With an average grade of 10.00, the following stood out: Milica Vujošević (Faculty of Economics), Sofija Milić (Faculty of Philology), Sara Antović (Faculty of Philosophy), Emina Višnjić (Academy of Music), Pavle Bojović (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering), Luka Kankaraš (Faculty of Science and Mathematics) and Dejana Pudar (Faculty of Maritime Studies).
The importance of this award was highlighted by Dejana Pudar, the best student at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor, who demonstrated exceptional success while studying in the field of Nautical Science and Maritime Traffic.
"This award is confirmation that we are doing what we do in a good and correct way, and it represents a great incentive. This is a wind at our back and a step closer to the goal we want to achieve," Pudar pointed out.
Among the best students of the University are: Milica Đurović (Faculty of Fine Arts, 9.98), Sara Joksimović (Faculty of Dramatic Arts, 9.97), Iva Đuričković (Faculty of Medicine, 9.91), Nikola Kovačević (Faculty of Law, 9.88), Jovan Raković (Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 9.82), Anastasija Dobrilović (Faculty of Political Sciences, 9.82), Olga Stanojević (Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, 9.53), Vesna Perošević (Faculty of Biotechnical Engineering, 9.52), Aleksandra Pavićević (Faculty of Architecture, 9.49) and Anastasija Čolović (Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, 9.38).
When it comes to the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Metallurgy and Technology, this year there were no candidates who met the requirements set out in the Regulations.
Olga Stanojević, the best student at the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, said that the award from the University of Montenegro is confirmation that hard work, love, and perseverance always pay off.
"During my studies, I learned that success does not come overnight, but is built step by step with faith in oneself and a willingness to constantly learn and progress. I am grateful to the dean, professors and all associates who have supported, motivated and encouraged us throughout all these years to be better, not only as students, but also as people. As someone who comes from Serbia, I can say that studying in Montenegro has brought me much more than knowledge. It has brought me numerous experiences, friendships and what is perhaps most important – a sense of belonging," said Stanojević.
Vesna Perošević, the best student at the Faculty of Biotechnology, shows by her example that it is never too late for education and acquiring new knowledge.
"As a mother of four children who led them on the right path, I considered this faculty to be my ultimate goal in order to come full circle. This award certainly gives me the incentive to continue improving myself regardless of my age and obligations, but with the great support of my family," said Perošević.
The award ceremony was enhanced by the performance of third-year undergraduate acting students at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts: Iskra Zeković, Darija Pravilović, Kristina Mrkić and Marija Vujović, who, accompanied by the piano by the graduated pianist Dmitri Grinih, performed scenes from the musical play "Chasing Harmony", created under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sara Vujošević Jovanović. The play is an integral part of the exam program for the Voice V subject, and was premiered at FUNK 2025. The final part of the ceremony went to students of the Academy of Music of the University of Montenegro Mykhailo Bukrieieva on piano and Aleksandar Tarasov on violin, who performed: Leo Delibes - Legend from the opera Lakmé. We would like to remind you that the award for achieved success is awarded to final-year students who completed the previous year of study on time and achieved an overall average grade of at least 9.00. The decision on this award is made by the rector, at the proposal of the council of organizational units.
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