Meet Valedictorians of the Class of 2023!

Every year, RIT Croatia takes great pride in recognizing and honoring the most exceptional students from graduating classes in Zagreb and Dubrovnik. This year, the Class of 2023 produced two outstanding valedictorians who stood out through their academic accomplishments and contributions to the community. Marko Jurić and Teodora Grozdanić, the deserving recipients of this title, were granted the honor at the commencement ceremonies. Their speeches, delivered on Friday, May 26 in Zagreb by Marko Jurić and on Saturday, May 27 in Dubrovnik by Teodora Grozdanić, served as a source of inspiration for all students.

“You'll never know what you're capable of until you step outside your comfort zone.”

Teodora Grozdanić from the picturesque town of Danilovgrad in Montenegro, embarked on her academic journey at RIT Croatia in the academic year of 2019/2020. Choosing the Dubrovnik campus, Teodora pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Throughout her years of study, Teodora showed great dedication and commitment, resulting in exceptional achievements. Graduating with the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude, Teodora also received the prestigious Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award, recognizing her impressive academic performance. Furthermore, her remarkable contribution to student life was acknowledged with the Excellence in Student Life Award, highlighting her impact on the RIT Croatia community.

In her speech, Teodora shared her thoughts on what is important to keep on achieving big things:

“First and foremost, never stop learning. The world is constantly evolving, and you must evolve with it. So commit to continue learning and growing throughout your lives. Secondly, don't be afraid to take risks. Life is full of opportunities, but they often come with uncertainty and fear. Embrace those feelings and use them as motivation to take bold action. You'll never know what you're capable of until you step outside your comfort zone. I sound like Professor Milena now! Thirdly, always stay true to your values. As you navigate the world and encounter different people and situations, losing sight of what's important to you is easy. But your values make you who you are and should guide your decisions and actions. Finally, remember to give back. As you achieve success and reach your goals, don't forget about those who helped you along the way. And I promise to you, dear faculty and staff, this generation will not forget about your help during these years. Use your talents and resources to impact the world and help others achieve their dreams positively.”

“Without persistence, we would not have made it through the challenges that college presented us.”

Marko Jurić, from the enchanting town of Srebrenik in Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined the ranks of RIT Croatia's Zagreb campus in the academic year of 2019/2020. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Web and Mobile Computing, Marko's journey was marked by determination and perseverance. His strong dedication to his studies led to remarkable accomplishments. Graduating with the highest distinction of Summa Cum Laude, Marko's academic excellence was celebrated with the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award.

In his speech, Marko talked about the importance of being persistent:

„During my college experience, I had the opportunity to travel on an adventure with many intelligent individuals who possessed a variety of skills. Through this experience, I concluded that there are three essential qualities that one must possess to achieve success. Those qualities are persistence, persistence, and most importantly, persistence. Without persistence, we would not have made it through the challenges that college presented us. It was through our persistence that we were able to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. As we move forward in life, it is crucial to remember that the same level of persistence will be required of us if we are to achieve our dreams. So, let us use this moment as a springboard to launch us toward our aspirations. Let us be relentless in the pursuit of our goals, and let us never give up, no matter how tough the road ahead may seem. We are capable of great things, and with the right attitude and mindset, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.“

The valedictorians, Teodora and Marko, serve as examples of the exceptional caliber of students that RIT Croatia nurtures. Their achievements, both academically and within the community, speak volumes about their passion, resilience, and commitment to excellence. As they delivered their speeches at the commencement ceremonies, they left a mark on their fellow students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness.