Top Students of Montenegro’s Economics Faculty Awarded €500 Scholarships

A total of 28 outstanding students from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Montenegro received scholarships of €500 each, sponsored by the Montenegro Commercial Bank (CKB). This initiative aims to recognize the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence of these students, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and values in achieving success.

The award ceremony for the academic year 2024/25 was organized by the Faculty of Economics alongside its Alumni Club, with CKB as the primary sponsor. Professor Mijat Jocovic, the Dean of the Faculty, highlighted that knowledge remains the most profitable investment and a foundation for societal progress. He stated, “These awards recognize students who have demonstrated diligence, ambition, discipline, and a commitment to values that extend beyond academic success.”

According to Professor Jocovic, excellence encompasses not only high grades but also ethical standards, empathy, and the courage to persevere through challenges. He expressed pride in both the academic achievements of the students and the values promoted at the Faculty of Economics and the University of Montenegro. He cautioned that in today’s society, knowledge is often undervalued, with superficial successes sometimes prioritized over rigorous analysis and hard work. This underscores the crucial role of universities, particularly the Faculty of Economics.

Professor Milivoje Radovic, Chairman of the University’s Board, remarked that success does not follow predetermined algorithms; it thrives on community, trust, and humanity. He reflected on the current societal tendency to become increasingly self-centered, suggesting that this moment of recognition should be seen as part of a journey towards success, rather than its culmination. “The path to success is made up of family, colleagues, professors, friends, and community. This is a moment of recognition for the selected students, but it is important to know that you are not alone on this path,” he stated.

Radovic emphasized the need for long-term success, asserting that it requires belief in oneself and others, as life does not operate according to set patterns. He concluded by reminding students that “life is full of challenges, and when you face them, be first and foremost human, not just economists.”

Nemanja Đuraškovic, the Director of Marketing, Communications, and CRM at CKB, expressed his honor in participating in the scholarship award ceremony. He reflected on the significance of these moments in a career, stating that they serve as reminders of one’s origins and the importance of returning to one’s roots. “When I sat in the amphitheaters of the Faculty of Economics, I believed that knowledge had the power to change my personal path, but now I realize it also transforms society. The scholarships we are awarding are not just recognition of success; they are a message of trust,” said Đuraškovic.

He added that the best students possess their own motivation, and it is the role of institutions to support them. “We are here to show that their efforts, combined with our experience, will help build Montenegro as the best place to live and work,” he stated.

Among the award recipients, Andrijana Sekularac, a student in her first year of study with a perfect average of 10.00, shared how the recognition validates her hard work and dedication. “This award is proof that effort pays off and serves as a strong motivation for further professional development and finding my place in society,” Sekularac noted.

Another awardee, Milica Vujošević, who achieved an average of 10.00 after her second year, described the recognition as a significant motivator for her continued efforts. She highlighted the role of CKB as a partner in this program, expressing gratitude for the opportunities it has provided, including her participation in the CKB Junior program in Berlin.

The awards also recognized students for their academic achievements at various stages of their studies. For first-year achievements, recipients included Andrea Sekularac, Jana Paunović, Đina Radenović, Maša Ćorović, and Milica Knežević. Those honored for achievements after their first two years included Milica Vujošević, Minja Stojanović, Nađa Tomašević, Tijana Kustudić, Nikola Leković, Nora Vuksanović, and Nađa Vuković. Recipients of the overall achievement awards after completing their three-year studies included Ana Slavić, Dino Kožar, Jovana Popović, Antonela Garbin, and Nikolina Vukčević.

This scholarship program highlights the commitment of both the university and local businesses to fostering future leaders and professionals for Montenegro’s economic development.