Publish Date: 06.12.2016
Category: News from the University
The Chancellor of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr. Ivan Svetlik, in today's solemn session of the Senate of the University of Ljubljana bestowed the highest awards. By this ceremony he concluded the most solemn day in the traditional University Week, witch this year marks the enviable 97th year of our work.
In his introduction the Chancellor of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr. Ivan Svetlik, pointed out the improvement in the quality of the work of the University of Ljubljana and its connections with the world. He also added that successful endeavours, like the establishment of the network of partner universities in Asia, Europe and its neighbourhood, are somewhat bittersweet, since the majority of partner universities have at least twice more, but in most cases even three times or more funds available per single student in comparison with the University of Ljubljana.
This year the University bestowed the honorary doctor title on two exceptional professors from the United States of America: William Lazonick from the University Massachusetts Lowell for outstanding achievements in the analysis of modern capitalism – financing of corporations and development of the theory of innovative company, and for successful collaboration with the University of Ljubljana; and to Michael W. Apple from the University of Wisconsin for exceptional achievements in the field of critical analysis of modern education and also for the successful collaboration with the University of Ljubljana.
Professor Michael W. Apple, in his formal address, mentioned the position of higher education within the framework of larger changes, and also pointed out, that the market logic can actually lead to exceptionally fast erosion of democratically defined common values and institutions. The effects on education are increasingly visible, he claims. "We must merge many aspects of our lives, including the state and civil society, with the economy and economic logic. Although there will always be tendencies against domination in universities and other important institutions, our everyday interactions – even our dreams and desires – will be led by the market realities and relationships. According to this scenario, which is also our reality, the society and culture would no longer be based on common values and trust." In the conclusion of the speech he revealed a few of his key ethical and political principles, among which is the notion that higher education and education in general should be treated as an intergenerational gift. "It is a source provided by the older generation for the benefit of all the children of the future generation," says Prof. Apple.
The 'Pro universitate labacensi' plaquette, bestowed by the University on the individuals and organisations, who with their funds or work importantly contribute to the development of the material opportunities of the University or to the training of its associates, were received by RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Vojmir Urlep, Prof. Dr. Matija Tuma and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jelena Vojvodič Tuma and Fundacija Parus.
Vojmir Urlep, the President of Management Board of Lek and a long-time associate of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Ljubljana, took the opportunity and said: "The most important competitive advantage that the Slovene economy can create with appropriate development and cultivation, is knowledge. In Lek we have known this for a long time and is the base for all our developmental strategies. The exceptional knowledge and experiences enabled us to be a story of success also within one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. We were clearly aware that we cannot do everything by ourselves, therefore we sought partnerships with institutions, who also work on the basis of knowledge. Our cooperation with the University of Ljubljana and its members over the years has grown into a partnership, and is an excellent basis for building in the future. I am grateful to be able to enjoy the privilege as a visiting lecturer and share some of my knowledge and experiences with the future generations."
The Gold plaquette, which the University of Ljubljana bestows for exceptional contributions in the development of scientific, teaching or artistic endeavours and for strengthening the reputation of the University, was bestowed on 11 professors of the University of Ljubljana; nine certificates for exceptional teaching and research achievements were bestowed on young university teachers and associates.
The keynote speech by Prof. Michel W. Apple is available here: Prof. Michael W. Apple.
Below is the list of all who received the highest honours, bestowed at this year's Senate session.
Honorary doctors:
- Prof. William Lazonick
- Prof. Michael W. Apple
'Pro Universitate Labacensi' plaquette:
- RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra
- Vojmir Urlep
- Prof. Dr. Matija Tuma and Assos. Prof. Dr. Jelena Vojvodič Tuma
- Fundacija Parus
Gold plaquette:
- Prof. Zoran Markovič, Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana
- Prof. Dr. Nataša Poklar Ulrih, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
- Prof. Dr. Mojmir Mrak, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana
- Prof. Dr. Aleš Debeljak, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana (posthumously)
- Prof. Dr. Igor Škrjanc, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
- Prof. Dr. Matej Fischinger, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana Prof. Dr. Andrej Bauer, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Andrej Brodnik, Faculty of Computer and information Science, University of Ljubljana
- Prof. Dr. Janez Grum, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
- Assos. Prof. Dr. Tomaž Marš, Faculty of Medicine University of Ljubljana
- Prof. Dr. Leopold Marijan Pavčnik, Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana
Certificates of recognition for young university teachers and associates:
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Ana Slatnar, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Andraž Petrovčič, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Igor Vobič, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Grega Jakus, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Dr. Matej Kranjc, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Benjamin Lipovšek, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Miha Moškon, Faculty of Computer and information Science, University of Ljubljana
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Franci Pušavec, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Tilen Štajnpihler, Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana
Photos by Željko Stevanić, IFP, d. o. o.