On March 8, 2017, Her Excellency Bernarda Gradisnik, Ambassador of Slovenia, visited Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (CPU). Her official visit began at Rector’s Office, where she was welcomed by rector, Prof. Lubomir Zelenicky, Prof. Gabriela Missikova, vice-rector for international relations, Prof. Bernard Garaj, dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Dr. Lubos Torok, vice-dean for international relations and development.

Ambassador Gradisnik was delighted to finally meet the Rector, after several years of a close relationship to Slovakia. She pointed out the affinity between the two nations and cultures, and mentioned a traveling photo exhibit on this very topic that soon shall be shown in Nitra. The meeting opened with reminiscences from 2013, when cooperation between the Embassy of Slovenia in Bratislava, and the CPU Department of Religious Studies and the Central European Institute of Soren Kierkegaard at the Faculty of Arts commenced. However, by this time some other departments at the university had established cooperation with Slovenian universities. This provided opportunities for both faculty members and students to participate in projects in Slovenia. Apart from the Erasmus+ agreement for exchanges, CPU signed a specific agreement on cooperation with the University of Slovenia.

The Rector stressed that the management of University would continue to support not only the existing links but expressed his wish for new areas of cooperation. Ambassador Gradisnik will complete her mission in Slovakia this year, and promised she will pass only the best references about our university to her successor. Those present expressed their hope for the productive professional, social, and cultural relations to strengthen in the future.

Ambassador Gradisnik then signed the university guest book and exchanged souvenirs with the Rector. The Ambassador then presented two lectures at the Faculty of Arts, and opened a photographic exhibit titled I Feel 25, illustrating 25 years of Slovene independence. The exhibit is located in the Gallery on the stairs at the Department of Cultural Studies.