A deeper dive into plans and goals of RIT Croatia’s new Alumni Association leadership

As of November 2023, RIT Croatia’s Alumni Association has elected its new leadership. Angela Josipa Krčelić, class of 2018, was introduced as the new President of the RIT Croatia Alumni Association, alongside Niko Katušić, class of 2019, who is the newly elected Vice President.

We asked them about their background and their journey leading up to this appointment.

Q: What motivated you to apply for these leadership positions within the Alumni Association, and what do you hope to achieve during your tenure?

Angela: As former Vice President and now President, I see these roles as opportunities to give back to a community that has given me so much. The RIT Croatia Alumni Association is not merely an organization; it's a support system and a source of inspiration for all of us.

Niko: My motivation to apply for the VP position stems from a deep connection established during my college days. As a freshman at RIT Croatia’s Dubrovnik campus, I joined the Student Government during my first college weeks, eventually serving as VP for three years and concluding as the President during my senior year. This experience showed me the importance of community and the impact that active involvement can have. Now, with the role of Vice President in the Alumni Association, my goal is to continue fostering that sense of community among our alumni. During my tenure, I hope to enhance alumni involvement, strengthen connections with RIT, and establish a culture of giving back, based on three pillars: Engage, Support, and Contribute.

Q: Angela, as the new President, what are your immediate priorities for the Alumni Association? Are there any specific goals or initiatives you would like to focus on?

Angela: In my role as the newly appointed President of the Alumni Association, my immediate focus lies in strengthening the bonds within our alumni community and implementing initiatives. My foremost priority is to enhance communication channels between RIT Croatia and its alumni community. This involves leveraging platforms such as social media or establishing a WhatsApp community group, all aimed at fostering increased engagement and interaction among our alumni.

I am enthusiastic about launching a series of development programs specifically tailored for our alumni community. These initiatives will be led by our accomplished alumni, showcasing their expertise and accomplishments. Sharing this wealth of knowledge will not only instill pride in our community but also contribute to the ongoing growth and success of our members.

Fostering a connection and raising awareness of the RIT Croatia alumni community among current students is also a pivotal endeavor.

Q: Niko, as the new Vice-President, how do you see your role complementing Angela's as President, and what unique contributions do you hope to bring to the Association?

Niko: Alongside Angela's role as President, my vision as the new Vice-President is to complement and strengthen our efforts in unifying and empowering the RIT Croatia Alumni Community. While Angela focuses on providing enhanced networking opportunities, I aim to bring strategic initiatives that foster the main three pillars I mentioned above, resulting in increased alumni involvement, stronger connections with the university, and a culture of giving back.

My unique contributions include combining my existing professional experiences in sales, brand, and marketing across industries like hospitality, automotive, and FMCG. I'm passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship which I bring along the way. Together with Angela's leadership, Alumni Advisory Board members, and the support of our alumni, I aspire to build upon the valuable heritage left to us by previous leaders. 

Q: How do you envision strengthening the connection between RIT Croatia's alumni and the current student body? What programs or activities might be introduced to facilitate this connection?

Angela: During my tenure as Vice President, we consistently brainstormed strategies to fortify the bond between current students and alumni. We actively supported initiatives such as the mentorship program, recognizing its significance in bridging the gap. One impactful idea involved the creation of contests or fundraisers geared towards raising funds for students to partake in and experience the RIT Croatia study abroad program. These initiatives serve a dual purpose – not only do they provide financial support for students to enrich their education through international experiences, but they also emphasize the tangible and immediate benefits of being part of the vibrant RIT Croatia alumni community.

Niko: The main vision is building upon mentorship programs, where alumni can provide guidance and insights to students based on their professional experiences. Additionally, keeping up with networking events, career workshops, and industry-focused panels that create opportunities for meaningful interactions between alumni and students. Working on internships and job placement initiatives, where alumni actively contribute to the professional development of current students, is another important part of leadership vision. By fostering these connections through practical engagement, we can bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experiences, creating a more robust and supportive RIT Croatia community.

Q: What strategies do you plan to implement to expand the Alumni Association's reach and engage with more alumni, both domestically and internationally?

Angela: Engaging our domestic and international alumni communities through well-planned events is crucial to fostering a more active and connected alumni network. This includes organizing various gatherings such as general get-togethers, reunions, and networking sessions. Given the prevalence of the digital landscape, leveraging virtual events has become an essential tool at our disposal. To truly act on a global scale, it's imperative to create online events that cater to our widely dispersed alumni base, enabling participation from around the world. Additionally, the implementation of a regular newsletter can serve as an effective means of communication within our community.

Niko: I would like to use the general approach of mixing existing platforms:

• Social Media Communication: utilize social media platforms, alumni newsletters, and a dedicated association website to regularly share updates, success stories, and upcoming events.
• Regional Alumni Gatherings: research the idea of expanding regional alumni gatherings to facilitate localized engagement and events.
• Local Expertise Collaborations: possibility for partnering with local business professional organizations, and community groups to tap into existing networks and reach alumni in specific regions.
• Lifelong Learning Initiatives: researching the need for virtual or in-person professional development programs, workshops, and webinars that cater to the diverse needs and interests of alumni. Do we use existing expertise within alumni to share their expertise by leading sessions or participating as guest speakers.
• Alumni Spotlights and Success Stories: showcase alumni success stories through various channels, highlighting their achievements, career paths, and contributions to their communities.

Q: Angela, what does this appointment mean to you personally? How has your RIT Croatia experience influenced your desire to lead the Alumni Association?

Angela: RIT Croatia holds immense importance in my life, and I see this role as a meaningful way to give back to the community that has played a pivotal role for me. It's not just an alma mater; it's a network that has profoundly influenced my personal and professional journey. My initial post-college job was with an RIT Croatia alum, and some of my dearest friends are fellow alumni. The bond runs deep – even my son's godmother is an RIT Croatia alum.

Q: Niko, what message would you like to convey to the RIT Croatia alumni community and the university at large as you step into your new leadership roles?

Niko: Identify your passion and develop a clear vision for what you want to achieve within the Alumni Association.  Utilize your professional and educational expertise and align them with the vision you set for yourself. Engage with current association members, attend events, and share your interests. Each member of the RIT Croatia Alumni Association plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the association and fostering a growing community.