On February 17, 2025, at the premises of the Associations of Croatian Homeland War Veterans in Vukovar, cooperation agreements were signed between the University of Applied Sciences “Lavoslav Ružička” in Vukovar and representatives of the Association of Croatian Disabled Homeland War Veterans of Vukovar-Srijem County (HVIDR-a), the Croatian Association of Vukovar Homeland War Veterans “VUKOVAR ’91”, and the Association of Croatian Disabled Homeland War Veterans Vukovar.

The signed agreements aim to develop joint projects and initiatives that will foster collaboration between the academic community and veterans’ associations.

During the signing ceremony, participants exchanged ideas on concrete forms of cooperation, including the development of academic programs, the organization of workshops, and providing support and counseling to Homeland War veterans and their families. The agreements outline the framework for future activities such as public lectures, lifelong learning programs, and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the competencies of veterans’ association members.

One of the key goals of future cooperation is to improve the quality of life for veterans through educational and social projects. Planned activities include the exchange of knowledge, resources, and experiences between the Polytechnic and veterans’ associations, creating opportunities for innovative initiatives with a positive impact on all participants and the wider community.

Representing the associations at the signing were Zvonko Toma, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the HVIDR-a of Vukovar-Srijem County and a member of the Honorary Court of HVIDR-a RH, Stjepan Mađarac, President of the HVIDR-a of Vukovar-Srijem County and a member of the Presidency of HVIDR-a RH, Tomislav Gašpar, Secretary, and Josip Crnjak, President of HUVBDR “VUKOVAR ’91”, as well as Slavko Jurić, President of UHVIDR Vukovar. Representing the University VEVU were the Dean, Assist. Prof. Željko Sudarić, Ph.D., prof. of profess. studies, and Vice-Deans Assist. Prof. Sanja Gongeta, Ph.D., prof. of profess. studies, and Ivan Belaj, senior lecturer.

The signed agreements represent an important step in strengthening the connection between the academic community and veterans’ associations and provide a solid foundation for long-term cooperation that will contribute to the development of both sides and the overall well-being of society.