Student Government President Marin Grabovac: Making every student feel valued

Marin Grabovac is a Croatian second-year student from Salzburg, Austria, studying Hospitality and Tourism Management at RIT Croatia’s Dubrovnik campus. Marin embraced the opportunity to spend a Fall semester at the Zagreb campus, which helped him grow both academically and personally. The vibrant atmosphere of Zagreb offered him fresh experiences that complemented his foundation in Dubrovnik.
Having the experience of studying on both RIT Croatia campuses deepened Marin's appreciation for the diversity within this community. "It has taught me to seize opportunities wherever I am and make the most of each environment’s unique offerings," says Marin. His experience highlights the importance of learning from different perspectives and adapting to new environments, a value Marin applies as President of the Student Government.

Representing the student body

Marin was elected President of the RIT Croatia Student Government (SG) in early 2024. The role of the SG President is not just about leading—it’s about connecting the efforts of both campuses, building relationships, and ensuring a smooth, efficient structure within the Student Government. Marin’s leadership philosophy revolves around service: “Knowing that my efforts help improve the experiences of my peers is incredibly fulfilling”. The role of the SG President is also tasked with ensuring that the goals of the Student Government are realized, including fostering a positive academic and social environment for all students. As Marin puts it, “Every student should experience our community in their unique way."

One of the Student Government's most important roles is to present the connection between students and college leadership, though its purpose extends beyond that. Marin says the SG’s mission is to “ensure a rich academic and social experience and to make sure that every student can experience it in their unique way”. He expressed, "If students reflect on their time at RIT Croatia and remember the community, opportunities, and connections—shaped in part by Student Government—we have done our part".

Giving back through Charity Auction

The Student Government organizes a variety of events throughout the year to strengthen the community, promote learning, and encourage fun. Recent events include the traditional Charity Auction, which unites students, faculty, and staff to support a good cause. In December 2024, the Charity Auction raised an impressive 7,300 EUR for the PUŽ Association, supporting families with children and youth with developmental disabilities. Other activities range from Performance Art Night to networking events like "Pizza and Coffee with SG" which create spaces for students to engage and connect.

Last October, Marin and the SG team attended the Student Government Consortium, an annual RIT program that unites Student Government leaders from the various RIT campuses to discuss common issues and best practices, at the Rochester campus. This experience gave Marin and his team invaluable insights into how the main campus runs its SG meetings with professionalism and energy. "It showed me what is possible when a team fully commits to a shared vision," Marin recalls. This experience emphasized the importance of dedication and a unified team, principles he now applies to his leadership at RIT Croatia.

Plans for the year 2025

Marin’s vision for the Student Government is about inclusivity, innovation, and active engagement. The lessons from the Consortium have shaped his leadership approach, making him focus on making every student feel valued. To achieve this, Marin is planning a more creative approach to promoting events in 2025, aimed at fostering a greater sense of community across both campuses. "Engagement is what makes our community thrive," he says. By strengthening connections and encouraging collaboration, Marin hopes to enhance the student experience in new and exciting ways.