Celebrating Makarska City Day, October 24, prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., University of Split Rector, was presented with an honorary citizen award. According to the decision made at the Makarska City Council’s session on Friday, August 26, with his exceptional commitment as University of Split Rector and his personal efforts, Dragan Ljutić made it possible for Makarska to become a university city, which makes him responsible for promoting Makarska’s position and reputation.

In the explanation for the award, Zoran Paunović Ph.D., Mayor of Makarska, states that Makarska became a university city on October 1, 2019, when University of Split’s undergraduate study of Hotel Management and Gastronomy officially began its work.

"Before opening a separate study in Makarska, which is the first time University of Split stepped outside Split’s borders in its 45 years of existence, there was hard work and preparations on several levels and Rector prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., who was engaged in all segments of realizing this project, headed University of Split’s professional team. He had a key role because the University of Split signed a cooperation agreement with the Franciscan Province of the Holy Redeemer, which permitted the University use of its premises.

 This year, the University of Split applied for a permit, in addition to undergraduate studies, to also open graduate studies in Makarska, which was approved.

The opening of graduate studies, which means about five hundred students, also brings the justification of investing in a student dormitory, which is a big step in building the image of Makarska as a student town, which is the goal of both City of Makarska and University of Split.

In cooperation with the University of Split, headed by prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D., the City of Makarska is already negotiating a new project: the opening of malacological and botanical collections for University of Split’s study needs - was concluded in City of Makarska’s decision to declare Rector Ljutić an honorary citizen.