New Generation of Graduates from the Faculty of Tourism

A new generation of 39 graduates and master's graduates of the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, received their bachelor's and master's degree certificates at a ceremonial graduation event held on Thursday, 4 June 2026. The certificates were awarded by the Dean of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus.

The Faculty of Tourism thus welcomed its eleventh generation of graduates from the professional higher education, university and master's study programmes. The ceremony took place in the magnificent setting of the Knight’s Hall at Brežice Castle.

Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus awarded certificates to 23 graduates of the professional higher education programme, 7 graduates of the university programme, and 9 master's graduates.

This year’s keynote speaker from the professional field was Mr Robert Šinkovec from Relax Turizem d.d., a long-standing mentor of students during their practical training and a recipient of the Faculty of Tourism UM Award for Excellence in Knowledge Transfer from the Working Environment. He addressed the graduates with encouraging and inspiring words as they embarked on their professional careers. He highlighted the importance of perseverance, responsibility and genuine interpersonal relationships, encouraging graduates to build their success gradually through hard work, knowledge and a respectful attitude towards others.

This year, two graduates spoke on behalf of their fellow graduates. Vedad Abdagić, a graduate of the university study programme and representative of full-time students, and Elizaveta Ibragimova, a graduate of the master's study programme who also represented graduates of the part-time English-language study programmes, expressed their gratitude to everyone who had supported them throughout their studies. They emphasised the importance of community and the support of family and friends, reflected on their academic journey, and looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities that await them.

The event was hosted by lecturer Hana Kuhar and was further enriched by performances from two talented young musicians of the Brežice Music School – Izak Vukič on saxophone, accompanied on piano by Špela Troha Ogorevc, and Ivana Lesinšek on violin. The young musicians study under the mentorship of professors Ita Nagode and Andrea Haber Požar.

The Faculty of Tourism is proud of the Class of 2026. On this important milestone, it sincerely congratulates all graduates and master's graduates and wishes them every success, perseverance and fulfilment in applying the knowledge they have gained.