Our guests will be this year’s Alumni UP Award recipients, who translate academic knowledge into practice through their work and, with innovative approaches in the fields of health, sustainability, sports, culture, and entrepreneurship, help create a better future for all of us. The event offers an opportunity for networking, intergenerational exchange of experiences, personal growth, and the creation of new, inspiring collaborations. After the official part of the event, the gathering and conversation with the guests will continue over light refreshments.

Borut Jerman is a graduate in cultural studies and a social anthropologist who, as President of the Cultural and Educational Association PiNA, has for many years been active at the intersection of culture, education, participation, and social development. Under his leadership, PiNA has grown into one of the most recognizable non-governmental organizations in Slovenia in the field of cultural and social projects. He has also contributed to the development of the cultural scene in Slovenian Istria, among other roles as a collaborator and producer of various cultural events and festivals.

Iza Resnik Strozak is a graduate of UP FAMNIT who demonstrated research maturity already during her studies. Today, as a member of the management team at MM Količevo, she leads transformations in quality, environmental standards, and sustainability strategies within a complex manufacturing environment. Through her contributions to quality and environmental improvements in the production of cartonboard from virgin and recycled fibers, she embodies a sustainability-oriented mindset and innovative thinking. She represents a role model of an internationally oriented and socially responsible professional.

Luka Mužina is a doctoral student and holds a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy. He began his academic journey at UP FVZ, where he has been working as a teaching assistant since this year, contributing to laboratory and seminar classes. Professionally, he develops his career at the Respiratory Physiotherapy Unit at UKC Ljubljana, where he has been employed full-time since 2023. He regularly presents professional insights in the field of respiratory physiotherapy at congresses and scientific meetings.

Mateja Hrvatin Kozlovič holds a Master’s degree from UP FTŠ Turistica. She began her entrepreneurial journey in tourism by founding the accommodation product Hiške slovenske Istre (Houses of Slovenian Istria), for which she received the Snovalec Award for the most innovative tourism ideas. Her contribution to connecting the local environment is further reflected in her role as the founder of the tourism cooperative Zakladi Istre (Treasures of Istria). She further deepened her understanding of the challenges of tourism and local economic development by entering local politics, where she currently serves as Deputy Mayor of the City Municipality of Koper.

Luka Kejžar, while still a master’s student in the Applied Kinesiology program at UP FVZ in 2020, took on the task of establishing Sport UP. As the main coordinator, he co-created a free recreational program for the entire University of Primorska community, including members of the Alumni Club. In the following years, he expanded the range of sports activities and developed the initiative into a recognizable success story focused on fostering a passion for physical activity at the university level. During his tenure, participation in Sport UP activities increased by more than threefold, and the number of new activities, workshops, events, and partnerships with the wider community continues to grow each year.