Presentation of the Book Scripta Manent and the Handover of the UP Founding Archives

Presentation of the Book Scripta Manent and the Handover of the UP Founding Archives

On March 19, 2025, the Regional Archive of Koper (PAK) hosted an event featuring the round table discussion On Solid Foundations, Boldly Forward, the presentation of the book Scripta Manent, and the official handover of archival materials on the establishment of the University of Primorska (UP) to the Regional Archive of Koper.

The event began with the round table discussion On Solid Foundations, Boldly Forward, where the book’s editor and the first rector of UP, Prof. Dr. Lucija Čok, presented the development of the idea for the university's establishment, spanning from 1974 until its founding in 2003. She highlighted the role of the economy, the local environment, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the period. She emphasized: "More than three decades have passed since a group of individuals, institutions, businesses, and higher education institutions actively and persistently worked to create the conditions for the establishment of higher education in the coastal municipalities and the founding of UP. It emerged ninety years after the University of Ljubljana and thirty years after the University of Maribor. We can say that its establishment was one of the most significant acts of independent Slovenia for the benefit of the wider Primorska region. Therefore, I can assert that its founding was a state-building achievement. By establishing a university in this border coastal area, Slovenia created a temple of knowledge, and the documentation of its foundation contributes to the constitutional history of Slovenia."

The Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development, Dr. Štefko Miklavič, complemented this historical overview with UP's vision and goals for the next decade, stating: "There are many challenges ahead. The University of Primorska aims for greater international recognition. One of the key initiatives is UP’s integration into the European university network Transform for Europe (T4EU), the European Network of Innovative Higher Education Institutions (ENIHEI), which has been recognized by the European Commission for its outstanding achievements in the innovation ecosystem. Other important advancements include joint doctoral programs between Ca' Foscari University of Venice and UP’s Faculty of Humanities, as well as an international joint program between UP FAMNIT and the University of St Andrews (United Kingdom). A major achievement is also the acquisition of new student accommodations in the newly built Barka 2 student dormitory and the development of a new medical study program."

Alja Polanec, Vice-President of the UP Student Council, shared insights on the experience of students at UP’s Faculty of Education, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. She highlighted: "The faculty offers students a unique opportunity to develop empathy, critical thinking, and creativity—key qualities for educators and pedagogical professionals. Students are aware that they are part of a rich tradition that has shaped our educational heritage while also embracing the modern vision of the University of Primorska". When asked about the vision of UP and the Faculty of Education from the students' perspective, she added: "Educational experts will continue to play a crucial role in preserving values that technology cannot replace: respect for tradition, personal interaction, creativity, and addressing complex social issues. The Faculty of Education will remain a key player in shaping Slovenia's educational future, within the broader framework of the University of Primorska, which will continue to develop its research and educational capacities and ensure high-quality education for future generations."

Following this, the official handover of archival materials (1974–2003) documenting the establishment of the University of Primorska took place, consisting of 21 boxes transferred to the Regional Archive of Koper. Additionally, the book Scripta Manent, published by UP Publishing, was presented. During the handover, the director of the Regional Archive of Koper, Mag. Nada Čibej, emphasized: "I would like to thank everyone who worked towards the establishment of the university, which has been a cornerstone in the region—for education, the creation of an intellectual environment, research development, and economic growth. The archive stands alongside the university because archives are essential for knowledge and research. I would like to acknowledge Prof. Dr. Lucija Čok, Tjaša Kranjec, and our colleague from the archive, Dr. Mirjana Kontestabile Rovis, for their extraordinary work in ensuring that the first steps of the university are safely preserved in the archives. As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The university has taken that step, and I hope its journey will be endless."

Prof. Dr. Lucija Čok added: "This collection of archival materials, marks the final step in the university's establishment process. The leadership of UP and PAK has recognized the importance of preserving the history of the university's founding. Two years ago, Tjaša Kranjec and I embarked on this project, and today, we present this material and its inventory."

Scripta Manent has now officially become a lasting record of an important historical period leading up to the establishment of the University of Primorska and is also freely available to the public HERE.