Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković took part in the graduation ceremony of the RIT Croatia Dubrovnik campus Class of 2025, held at the Rixos Premium Hotel.
On this special occasion, Mayor Franković—himself a former student and alumnus of this institution—addressed the graduates, offering them his heartfelt congratulations on their academic success.
“Today, I stand before you with a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and responsibility,” the mayor said to the students, highlighting the importance of following a brave and authentic path in life. In his speech, he emphasized that life after graduation will bring challenges, but that the knowledge, experience, and values gained during their studies will serve as a foundation for the future.
“Be who you are. Kindness is strength, not weakness. Trust is capital, not risk,” he stated, encouraging the graduates to be a generation that doesn’t follow the world—but changes it.
He also addressed the graduates’ families, thanking them for their love, support, and sacrifices, and noting that today’s achievement is not only academic, but also a family milestone:
“In the caps that will soon fly into the air, it’s not just years of study—they carry sleepless nights, support, tears, laughter… When you first held them in your arms, you knew a day like this would come. And here it is.”
Mayor Franković concluded by reminding the graduates not to forget their roots and the strength of the city where they spent their student years:
“Dubrovnik is strength, history, and resilience. May this City always remind you that you can be brave and noble, successful and true to yourself.”
The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 marked the end of an important chapter for the young professionals and the beginning of their next journey—with diploma in hand.