Twenty-eight outstanding students from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Montenegro have been awarded €500 each, sponsored by the Crnogorska komercijalna banka. This recognition underscores the value of hard work, perseverance, and the commitment to academic excellence, which are essential for the future social and economic development of Montenegro.
The awards ceremony for the academic year 2024/25 was organized by the Faculty of Economics and its Alumni Club, with Crnogorska komercijalna banka serving as the primary sponsor. During the event, Prof. Dr. Mijat Jocović, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, emphasized that knowledge remains the most valuable investment and the cornerstone of societal progress. He noted that these awards celebrate students who excelled in the previous academic year through diligence, ambition, and a commitment to values that extend beyond academic achievement.
“Excellence involves not only high grades but also responsibility, ethical standards, empathy, and the courage to persist through challenges,” said Jocović. He expressed pride in both the academic accomplishments of the students and the values promoted at the Faculty of Economics and the University of Montenegro. He also highlighted the contemporary tendency to undervalue genuine knowledge, where superficial success is often prioritized over serious endeavors and grounded analysis, enhancing the significance of universities, particularly the Faculty of Economics.
In a similar vein, Prof. Dr. Milivoje Radović, President of the Governing Board of the University of Montenegro, pointed out that success does not follow predetermined algorithms but is cultivated through community, trust, and humanity. “The era we live in often changes us. Instead of celebrating progress, we may become more selfish and closed off, creating poorly trained algorithms where gratitude is replaced by a sense of entitlement,” he remarked.
Radović reinforced that the current awards reflect the academic community’s appreciation for the hard work and achievements of the students, encouraging them to view this recognition as part of their journey to success rather than as the final destination. He emphasized that the path to success is composed of family, colleagues, professors, friends, and the community. “If you walk alone, you will typically not get far,” he advised.
He added that long-term success requires believing in oneself and those around, as life does not operate on preset patterns. “Life does not have ready-made algorithms. Life is full of challenges, and when faced with them, be first and foremost human, not just economists,” Radović concluded.
In a heartfelt statement, Nemanja Đurašković, Director of Marketing, Communications, and CRM at Crnogorska komercijalna banka, expressed his pride in participating in the awards ceremony on behalf of the bank. “There are moments in your career that remind you of where you started and why it is important to return to your roots. Meeting young individuals today serves as such a reminder,” he said.
Reflecting on his own time as a student, Đurašković stated he believed in the transformative power of knowledge, which he now recognizes extends to societal change. “The scholarships awarded today are not merely recognition of past success; they are a message of trust in the potential of youth, their ambition, and their role as future leaders and experts in the development of Montenegro,” he added.
Students who received awards included Andrijana Šekularac, who achieved a perfect average of 10.00 after her first year of study. She shared that this recognition validates the hard work and dedication she has put into her studies. “This award motivates me to continue striving for professional development and to find my place in society,” said Šekularac.
Another recipient, Milica Vujosevic, also achieved an average of 10.00 after her second year. She expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the support from Crnogorska komercijalna banka, which enabled students to receive these awards. Vujosevic noted her enriching experience with the CKB Junior Program, which allowed her to spend time in Berlin, broadening her horizons both academically and socially.
Additional awards were granted for various achievements throughout the academic program, recognizing students who excelled after their first and second years of study, as well as those completing three-year programs.
This initiative not only fosters academic excellence but also strengthens the sense of community within the Faculty, highlighting that hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. As these students embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the support and encouragement of their university and the wider community.
