The University of East Sarajevo marked University Day and 34 years of successful work with a ceremonial academy held on 14 September at the Administrative Centre of the Government of the Republic of Srpska in East Sarajevo.
The University’s highest distinction, the Order of the University of East Sarajevo, was awarded to Mr Savo Minić, Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska, and Ms Zora Vidović, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Srpska, in recognition of their significant contribution to the University’s development.
The University Charter was presented to H.E. Igor Kalabukhov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his contribution to strengthening cooperation between the University and higher education institutions in Russia. The Charter was also awarded to Archpriest-Stavrophore Prof. Dr Vladislav Topalović, Full Professor at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology “St Basil of Ostrog” in Foča, for his exceptional contribution to the development of the University and his achievements in teaching, research and other University activities.
The University Plaque was awarded to Prof. Dr Dimitrije Ćeranić, Prof. Dr Siniša Ristić, and Igor Tešević, former Secretary-General of the University. A University Letter of Appreciation was presented to Ms Aleksandra Bjelica, Director of the Public Institution “Studentski Centar Lukavica”, while Letters of Appreciation were also presented to University employees for their long-standing service.
The University also honoured its best graduates with the Rector’s Award “Student of the Generation”. This year’s recipients are Anastasija Fimić, Smiljana Mitrović, Sara Blagojević, Maja Vuković, Lana Šućur, Marija Mišković, Maksim Avramović, and Anđela Milanović.
Awards for outstanding scientific and artistic achievements in 2025 were presented to Dragan Spaić, Prof. Dr Bojan Joksimović, Assistant Professor Dr Ljubica Lalović, Đorđe Hajder, Milan Zelenović, Prof. Dr Željko Stević, Assistant Professor Dr Ranka Sudžum, Prof. Dr Sanja Milić, Prof. Dr Mladen Banjanin, Prof. Dr Ratko Pavlović, Jovana Blagojević, Prof. Dr Dejana Stanić, Prof. Dr Marko Subotić, and Prof. Dr Valentina Timotić.
Rector Prof. Dr Milan Kulić highlighted the University’s continued development of study programmes, international cooperation and scientific research. This year, 626 students graduated from first-cycle programmes, 179 from second-cycle programmes and 13 from third-cycle programmes. Around 300 members of academic staff, associates and students participated in international exchanges with universities in nearly 16 countries, while around 20 international projects are currently being implemented, with a combined value of approximately BAM 49 million.
Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska Prof. Dr Draga Mastilović emphasised the Government’s continued support for the University through investments in infrastructure and student standards. He noted that more than 50,000 students have enrolled at the University and nearly 30,000 have graduated since its establishment.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Academician Vojislav Maksimović, the University’s first Rector. His bust was unveiled as part of the University Day programme. His nephew, Goran Maksimović, thanked everyone involved in the initiative and highlighted Academician Maksimović’s contribution to the establishment and development of the University.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the academic community, institutions of the Republic of Srpska, local communities, students, professors and numerous distinguished guests.
