On the first day of spring, March 21, 2024, the National Agency for Quality in Higher Education (NAKVIS) accredited Alma Mater Europaea University. This remarkable achievement is the result of 15 years of organized work by internationally recognized scientists who combined experiences from domestic and foreign universities with the vision of establishing a university.
On October 22, a ceremonial university promotion and inauguration of the rector prof. dr. Ludvik Toplak. took place in the Casino Hall of the SNG Maribor. Alma Mater Europaea University has joined the ranks of the most prestigious educational institutions.
“The establishment of Alma Mater Europaea University is the result of organized, 15 years of work by internationally recognized scientists and educators who transferred decades of experience from domestic and foreign universities into a new institution with a shared vision of founding a university.
A university that will develop new, interdisciplinary, deficit and quality academic programs, complementary to existing ones, and competitive in the domestic and international labor and knowledge markets, all in accordance with academic standards and European academic tradition,” emphasized rector prof. dr. Ludvik Toplak in his address and added that Alma Mater Europaea is focused on the future. “We strive to continue our contribution to development. We especially join the appeal of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and the World Academy of Arts and Sciences that new technological achievements, including artificial intelligence, serve peace and sustainable development.” You can read the full rector's address here.
The gathered distinguished guests were also ceremonially addressed by the President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, Marko Lotrič, who congratulated the university for its outstanding contribution to the Slovenian education system. “Today we are here to honor one of the most important topics of our time – education and its quality. The future development and relevance of higher education are crucial at a moment full of challenges. In the context of rapid technological development, especially artificial intelligence, which is changing the world, and challenges in the labor market marked by an aging society and increasing multidisciplinarity, quality education is becoming increasingly important. To keep pace with time and other countries, we must ensure that our educational institutions produce personnel who not only master technical skills but are also critical thinkers, innovators, and creative individuals. The relevance of education today is no longer just about what we teach but how we teach future generations – children and grandchildren,” Lotrič emphasized.
The President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts prof. dr. Klaus Mainzer said:
“With Alma Mater Europaea University, Slovenia has realized the founding idea like no other European country. Founder and Rector Ludvik Toplak has established a state-recognized university with his admirable academic network, which serves as a model for other European countries in realizing the idea of Alma Mater Europaea.
Today, Alma Mater Europaea University complements the current programs of the European Academy. In connection with the Academy, it operates as a trans-university network that uses the existing infrastructure of both institutions. It especially relies on European culture, its history, and its identity. Together with all members of the Alma Mater Europaea community, students, teachers, alumni, and Academy members, we wish to work together for a peaceful future of Europe, a Europe that must change and reassert itself in the world.”
Dr. Mainzer then focused on the development of artificial intelligence, which Alma Mater increasingly includes in its study programs. He emphasized that artificial intelligence must remain a tool, even though it will become increasingly autonomous in the future. “There is a fear that people will become lazy because of artificial intelligence. Which doctor will still dare to make a diagnosis, which judge to form their own opinion compared to artificial intelligence devices condensed with data? Have the courage to use your mind,” he concluded.
In the inaugural part, Dr. Mainzer presented the rector Dr. Toplak with a new insignia. The rector then handed the new insignia to the dean of the ECM Faculty assoc. prof. dr. Barbara Toplak Perovič and the dean of the ISH Faculty prof. dr. Lenart Škof.
At the ceremonial event, Alma Mater Europaea University awarded two honorary doctorates to outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of science and humanism with their achievements.
The honorary doctorate was awarded to academician prof. dr. Vinko Dolenc, a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and since 1991 ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in science. Prof. dr. Dolenc, recipient of numerous international awards, received the honorary doctorate for outstanding achievements in the field of neuroscience and neurosurgery. Since Dr. Dolenc was not present, the plaque was accepted on his behalf by his daughter, Dr. Leja Dolenc Grošelj.
The honorary doctorate for outstanding achievements in the field of work for peace, equality, humanism, and development was awarded to academician Garry Jacobs, president of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences.
“The importance of science lies in its ability to help humanity, solve its problems, and create security for all.
And as we know, technology and science can be a double-edged sword. They can uplift and develop us, as has often happened, but they can also challenge and destabilize us. The educational institution may be the most important invention, discovery, and development humanity has ever created. It is through the institution of education that we take cumulative knowledge from the experiences of countless generations going back thousands of years and try to distill the essence and truly valuable lessons and pass them on to the next generation. I wish we could understand the vision, hope, and aspiration that this is truly the beginning of an era in which education becomes the greatest engine of human progress and social evolution, as we need it for everything, whether for understanding the environment or solving problems of democracy in our countries, economy, or anything else,” were the words of academician Jacobs upon receiving the honorary doctorate.
“I am deeply honored, happy, and grateful for this honorary recognition you have given me. I thank Rector Dr. Toplak not only for this recognition but also for the opportunity to speak with you and start what I consider a very important event in the work of the World Academy. Namely, we have signed a declaration between the World Academy of Arts and Sciences and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts to start what we call the global peace initiative,” Jacobs added.
Alma Mater Europaea University paid tribute to rector prof. dr. Ludvik Toplak with his portrait, created by the neo-Renaissance artist Niko Anikis, who also presented the artwork. The magnificent musical intermezzo was provided by soprano Sabina Cvilak, accompanied by pianist Anna Fernandez Torres.
The ceremony continued with pleasant socializing in the foyer of the Casino Hall of SNG Maribor.
In times of global challenges and rapid development of artificial intelligence, the role of universities is becoming crucial – not only as guardians of knowledge but also as drivers of ethical progress, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development. Alma Mater Europaea University, with its international orientation and interdisciplinary approach, proves that a higher education institution can also be a cultural and humanistic compass of modern society. Discover the mission and vision of our university.
