Aspira College officially opened approx. 1,000 square meters of new space and thus created a real small educational complex – an outdoor sports field, a wellness academy, a fitness studio, a coworking space and a large amphitheater are just some of the novelties that this faculty offers. Since 2016, they have been offering the first study course in Gastronomy in Croatia, and this year they are also opening a diploma level for additional training and honing of skills.
This year, Aspira has the largest number of enrolled foreign students, as well as local students, so it is not surprising that there is a need for bigger, more modern and innovative spaces.
– I am glad that we have the opportunity to follow you in the mandate of this government. We had the opportunity to look at the beginnings of Aspire, to remember how you have progressed, your great contribution that you have made in Croatian gastronomy, the hotel industry, and the education system, which is extremely important to us. The education you offer is world-class and you bring that class to the Republic of Croatia. I congratulate you on becoming an external member of UNWTO, the world tourism organization! – said Tonči Glavina, State Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
All present were welcomed by the President of the Administrative Council of Aspire College, Mr. Milivoj Jerkunica.
– I would like to thank everyone who helped us on this journey, first of all the family who was always there, but also everyone else who contributed to our story in any way. There is a saying “When you get to the top, then you have to move on!” So there is no stopping, we must always move on. – said Jerkunica.
Aspira prepared a real little gastronomic spectacle for its guests, long-term partners, colleagues, associates and employees. What better way to present the study program of Gastronomy than its students? The students’ buffet table, prepared together with chef Nikša Boban, was presented by Marko Matić, a third-year student. With the performance of the Magic Wish band, guests could taste the cocktail “Aspira” prepared by the famous barista and cocktail master Tome Stančić and enjoy show cooking where chefs Mickaël Alix, Tomica Đukić and Nikša Boban prepared real specialties!
– I am extremely glad and very happy that we have come to this day when we will open our premises and present to you the graduate degree course in Gastronomy. Believe me, it took a lot of effort, travel, research and perseverance to get to where we are now. The President of the Administrative Council always had a vision, and for me that is the most important thing – to have a vision and persistence, but also patience and will, because without that, that vision cannot be realized. – were the words of the dean of Aspira College, Mr. Alen Jerkunica.
