Celebrating excellence: 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards

At the end of every academic year, RIT Croatia celebrates the remarkable dedication, research, and service of our faculty and staff members who make our academic community so vibrant and successful. Their daily commitment to teaching excellence, student support, and impactful research pushes RIT Croatia forward every year. Congratulations to all honorees who have made the past academic year 2025/26 a remarkable one!

Following are all award recipients;

Excellence in Teaching Award

Presented at the Commencement Ceremonies:

• Dubrovnik: Dr. Nikolina Božinović, Danijela Crljen, MS
• Zagreb: Dr. Alan Mutka, Dr. Maja Vidović

Excellence in Service Award

• Maja Obadić: Honored for stepping up as Interim Manager while continuing her Academic Advisor role during departmental transition, maintaining high standards, uninterrupted student support, and team unity with tireless work ethic and positivity.
• Iva Kužina: Recognized for exceptional composure, empathy, and cultural sensitivity in serving our international community—including coordinating student evacuations during international conflict and supporting a hospitalized study-abroad student.
• Luči Vierda: Recognized for her people-first mindset, warmth, and dedication to actively enhancing student services and making our campus community feel valued.

Excellence in Professional Engagement Award

• Dr. Marlena Ćukteraš: Honored for connecting students with industry and international opportunities through project mentorship, global initiatives, and international event participation.
• Dr. Mia Klemenčić: Celebrated for mentoring students in authentic professional environments, leading to student success at Zagreb Design Week and an international packaging design competition.
• Dr. Branko Mihaljević: Recognized for advancing academic standards as an expert contributor to higher education accreditation processes, alongside mentoring student researchers.

Excellence in Research Award

• Dr. Branko Mihaljević: Published five scholarly works, collaborated with students on conference presentations, and served through active editorial and review work.
• Dr. Jasminka Samardžija: Authored one journal publication and eight conference publications/presentations focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.
• Dr. Martin Žagar: Produced five scholarly publications and contributed to eight European internationally funded research projects.

Outstanding Achievement Award

• Dr. Alan Mutka: Recognized for his vital leadership and hands-on dedication in launching the new Cybersecurity study program.
• Dr. Petar Branislav Jelušić, Stefanie Hudspeth, & Dr. Jurica Dolić: Celebrated for their joint effort in bringing the inaugural New Media Design Day (NMDX) to life, showcasing student work and engaging external audiences.

Length of Service Milestones

• 5 Years: Velebit Mirić
• 10 Years: Tereza Buša, Maja Obadić, Ivan Smoljan, Jakob Patekar, Maja Vidović, Jelena Tolić
• 15 Years: Ivana Silić, Peter Schmidt, Kristijan Tabak, Luka Boršić
• 25 Years: Rebecca Charry Roje

Thank you all for your extraordinary contributions to our community!