On Thursday, 30 November, the graduation ceremony for the new Bachelor and Master degrees in Ecotechnology and Ecotechnology was held in the Marin Hall of the Fran Korun Koželjski Music School.
The awarding of diplomas is always a special, solemn event. It is a special occasion for the graduates and for all those who have stood by them and supported them in one way or another during their studies. At the Faculty of Environmental Protection, the graduation ceremony takes place at the end of November, during the month of International Science, Youth and Student Days.
This year, 17 graduates and two Master’s students in Ecotechnology received their diplomas from the hands of the Dean, Prof. Dr. Boštjan Pokorný, and the Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gašper Gantar. All graduates successfully completed their studies, and some of them particularly excelled in their studies. Vesna Korošec achieved the highest average grade in her Bachelor’s studies, 9.2. Of course, grades are not the only measure of success. That is why the Faculty, both through the study process and other activities, enables and encourages various forms of youth participation. The latter certainly represents an important added value that has a positive impact on the development of the Faculty. Another interesting fact is that this time, three people who have served as President or Chair of the Student Council during their studies have received a certificate of successful completion of their Bachelor’s degree studies.
“The year 2023 has shown the need for people with the knowledge, skills and expertise in the field of environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. (Too)many natural disasters have constantly reminded us of the fragile environment we live in and how macho we often are towards nature. At the same time, they have stimulated many needs, justified and unjustified, for remediation and problem-solving. In the age of populism, real and sometimes imaginary needs can conceal a desire to exploit the situation, to seek opportunities and to dominate capital. This is also why expertise is needed. To be able to be active in this field, but at the same time not to blindly follow one extreme or the other. The extreme of capital’s desire for constant progress and development, which is, of course, necessary, but which must also take account of natural conditions, natural elements and the limitations of the environment. And, on the other hand, so that you, as young professionals, do not follow populism, which is happily and easily used by individuals, by influencers, who thus collect likes and, without any knowledge, influence decision-makers, sometimes very wrongly. In this range of extremes, you, with your knowledge, will be able to find yourselves in the future. I am sure that the faculty has equipped you with the relevant knowledge. It is up to you to put that expertise into practice in your business activities,” said Dean Boštjan Pokorny in his address to this year’s graduates.
The Faculty of Environmental Protection has been based in Velenje since its foundation. Cooperation with the local community is very important for its growth and development. The new graduates were also honoured by a visit from the Vice-Mayor of Velenje, Aleksandra Vasiljević, who wished them well on their future path in life. “You have crowned several years of hard work with your graduation. I believe that the path has not been easy. You should be aware that, with the many challenges facing our planet, yours is not only a profession of the present, but also a profession of the future. I sincerely and heartily congratulate you on the journey you have made so far and I wish you to put your knowledge to good use in the world of business. You are needed and thank you for your work.”
The graduates are justifiably proud of the result and the journey they have made so far. They are aware that the degree is a commitment to the conduct of the profession, which is enshrined in the solemn Graduation Pledge of the Faculty of Environmental Protection, read out by graduate Alen Lamper.
The musical accompaniment of the ceremony was provided by members of the Fran Korun Koželjski Music School Brass Quintet, under the mentorship of Prof. Mitja Škorjanec, and harpist Naja Mohorič.
