On 17 November 2025, the Social Work Study Centre of the Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb celebrated 73 years of continuous work, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of educating social workers and the strong connection of the academic community with the social welfare system, civil society and public government institutions.
The ceremony was held in the Centre’s premises at Heinzelova 70A, led by moderator Valentina Kozjak, starting with the performance of the Croatian anthem by Breza Pajić.
In her opening speech, the head of the Study Centre, Prof. Gordana Berc, emphasized the importance of scientific research projects at the international and national levels and emphasized the need for continuous investment in the quality of study programs and cooperation with institutions to improve the practice of social work.
“The education of social workers requires continuous improvement of the curriculum in order to adequately respond to the challenges of practice and the needs of the people we serve.”
The anniversary was marked by speeches from numerous representatives of institutions and professions:
- Assoc. Prof. Dinka Caha, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Osijek – the importance of inter-institutional cooperation;
- Gordana Daniel, Croatian Association of Social Workers;
- Domagoj Kronstain, President of the Croatian Chamber of Social Workers – the need for continuous education of social workers;
- Tatjana Holjevac, Deputy Ombudsman for Children;
- Tena Šimonović Einwalter, Ombudsman – the key role of social workers in the protection of human rights;
- Tatjana Katkić Stanić, Director of the Institute for Social Work.
Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Ivan Koprić, emphasized the contribution of the Study Centre to the development of the Faculty, its international recognition and the long-standing tradition that laid the foundations for modern education of social workers in Croatia.
The program was complemented by musical performances by Breza Pajić and the traditional “Gaudeamus igitur”.
The second part of the celebration was dedicated to the professional segment – a lecture by Zvonimir Penić, Head of the Directorate of the Prison System and Probation of the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation, on the topic:
“The Role of a Social Worker in the Prison System and Probation”, providing insights into current challenges and the development of social worker competencies within the probation and penitentiary system.
The anniversary was an opportunity to recall the words of students that best reflect the spirit of the study:
“I especially like the diversity of areas that we can deal with as social workers and the fact that in our profession we accept people as they are.”
“Any kind of progress makes me happy. Even if it is small, and even if it happens to a single person or family.”
The ceremony ended with a reception in the Klek Hall, marking another year of dedication to people, empowerment, solidarity and faith in positive change.
