On October 22, the Slovenian promotion of the university and the inauguration of Rector Professor Dr. Ludvik Toplak took place in the Kazinska Hall of SNG Maribor. Alma Mater Europaea University has joined the ranks of the most prestigious educational institutions.

“The establishment of Alma Mater Europaea University results from 15 years of work organized by internationally recognized scientists and educators who have transferred decades of experience from domestic and foreign universities to this new institution with a shared vision of establishing a university. A university that will develop new, interdisciplinary, deficit, and high-quality academic programs that complement existing ones and are competitive in domestic and international labor and knowledge markets, all by academic standards and the European academic tradition,” emphasized Rector Professor Dr. Ludvik Toplak in his address.

The full rector's address can be read HERE.

The gathered high guests were also ceremoniously addressed by the President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, Marko Lotrič, who congratulated the university on its remarkable contribution to the Slovenian education system. “Today, we are here to honor one of the most important themes of our time – education and its quality. Higher education’s future development and relevance are crucial in a moment full of challenges. In the context of the rapid development of technologies, 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 the times and other countries, we must ensure that our educational institutions produce graduates who possess technical skills and are 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 – our children and grandchildren,” stated Lotrič.

The President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Professor 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 in Maribor, which serves as a model for other European countries to realize the idea of Alma Mater Europaea. Today, Alma Mater Europaea University complements the existing programs of the European Academy. In conjunction with the Academy, it operates as a trans-university network that utilizes the existing infrastructure of both institutions. It particularly draws on European culture, its history, and its identity. Together with all Alma Mater Europaea community members, including students, teachers, alumni, and Academy members, we aim to work for a peaceful future for 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 is increasingly integrating into its study programs. He emphasized that artificial intelligence must remain a tool, even though it will become more autonomous in the future. "There is a fear that people will become complacent due to artificial intelligence. Which doctor will dare to make a diagnosis, and which judge will create their own opinion compared to data-laden artificial intelligence devices? Have the courage to use your mind," he concluded.

In the inaugural part, Dr. Mainzer bestowed a new insignia on Rector Dr. Toplak. The new insignia was also presented to the Dean of the ECM Faculty, Professor Dr. Barbara Toplak Perovič, and the Dean of the ISH Faculty, Professor 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.

The honorary doctorate was awarded to academician Professor Dr. Vinko Dolenc, a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and, since 1991, Slovenia's scientific ambassador. Prof. Dr. Dolenc, a recipient of numerous international awards, received the honorary doctorate for his exceptional achievements in neuroscience and neurosurgery. Since Dr. Dolenc was absent, his daughter, Dr. Leja Dolenc Grošelj, accepted the plaque.

Academician Garry Jacobs, president of the World Academy of Art and Science, received an honorary doctorate for exceptional peace, equality, humanism, and development achievements.

“The importance of science lies in its ability to help humanity, solve its problems, and create security for all. But as we know, technology and science can be a double-edged sword. They can elevate and develop us, as has often happened, but they can also challenge and destabilize us. The institution of education is perhaps the most important invention, discovery, and development that humanity has ever created. Through the institution of education, we take on cumulative knowledge from the experiences of countless generations that go back thousands of years and attempt to extract the essence and truly valuable lessons and pass them on to the next generation. I hope we understand the vision, hope, and aspiration that this is truly the beginning of an era where education becomes the greatest engine of human progress and social evolution, as we need it for everything, whether for understanding the environment or solving the problems of democracy in our countries, economies, or anything else,” were the words of academician Jacobs after receiving the honorary doctorate.

“I am deeply honored, happy, and grateful for this honorary recognition you have given me. I thank Rector Dr. Toplak for this recognition and the opportunity to speak with you and begin what I consider a very important event in the work of the World Academy. Namely, we signed a declaration between the World Academy of Art and Science and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts to start what we call a global peace initiative,” Jacobs added.

The Alma Mater Europaea University honored Rector Professor Dr. Ludvik Toplak with his portrait, created by the neo-Renaissance artist Niko Anikis, who also presented the artwork.

Soprano Sabina Cvilak, accompanied by pianist Anna Fernandez Torres, provided the magnificent musical intermezzo. The ceremony continued with pleasant socializing in the foyer of the Kazinska Hall at SNG Maribor.