FTPO 2025 graduation ceremony and awards presentation
On Friday, May 9, 2025, a formal ceremony for the awarding of diplomas and awards by the Faculty of Polymer Technology was held at the Slovenj Gradec Cultural Center.
Since the last graduation ceremony (May 10, 2024), 41 of a total of 276 graduates from both study programs have graduated.
In addition to the dean, Prof. Blaž Nardin, and the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Slovenj Gradec, Martina Šisernik, the graduates were addressed by the State Secretary for Higher Education, Urban Kodrič. We are delighted that our distinguished guests accepted our invitation. In addition to the State Secretary, the event was attended by Dr. Jernej Širok (MVZI) and the Rector of the University of Primorska, Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar.
Marko Verčkovnik, this year's most successful first-cycle graduate, spoke on behalf of the FTPO graduates. Doc. Dr. Miha Steinbücher, Head of the Development Laboratory for New Technologies and ESG at KANSAI HELIOS Slovenija d.o.o., spoke on behalf of the employers' representatives.
KANSAI HELIOS Slovenija d.o.o. is a leading Slovenian company with almost a century of tradition, specialising in the development and production of paints, varnishes, coatings and synthetic resins. It is based in Domžale and plays a central role in the international KANSAI HELIOS group. The company has been successfully cooperating with the Faculty of Polymer Technology for many years, providing students with practical training, offering employment opportunities and professional excursions, while also contributing significantly to the recognition and development of the faculty.
The Slovenj Gradec Music School once again provided musical accompaniment to the program.
Based on the Rules on Awards and Honorary Titles of the Faculty of Technology, the following 11 awards were also presented this year:
- The award "for a significant contribution to the development of the faculty" was received by the Municipality of Slovenj Gradec,
- "for a significant contribution to the development of the faculty and the education of students" was received by Hella Saturnus Slovenija d.o.o.,
- Katjuša Zagernik received the award "for a significant contribution to improving the quality of the faculty's organization,"
- Štefi Grah received the award "for many years of dedicated work and a significant contribution to the functioning of the faculty,"
- "for outstanding achievements in the field of teaching and scientific research work" was awarded to doc. dr. Miha Steinbücher,
- "for outstanding achievements in the field of teaching" was awarded to doc. dr. Iztok Švab,
- Marko Verčkovnik received the award for the best final thesis in the first-cycle professional study program in Polymer Technology for his thesis entitled "Design of a conveyor belt for filament extrusion with air cooling,"
- "for the best final project in the first-cycle professional higher education study program in Polymer Technology," Jure Dobnik received the award for his thesis "Study and Optimization of Process Parameters in 3D Printing and Their Impact on the Operation of Polymer Gears,"
- Klemen Peršin received the award for the best final thesis in the second-cycle master's degree program in Polymer Technology for his master's thesis "Development of a new type of unsaturated polyester resin for solid surfaces,"
- Marko Verčkovnik received the award for the most successful graduate of the first-cycle professional study program in Polymer Technology with an average grade of 9.64,
- and the award "for the most successful graduate of the second-cycle master's degree program in Polymer Technology" was awarded to Patricija Skrivarnik with an average grade of 9.32.
We sincerely congratulate all graduates and award recipients!
We invite you to view photos by Nika Hölcl, Fotobeležnica.