NEW ZAGREB UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR INAUGURATED

( Editorial: --> 0002 ) ZAGREB, 6 Feb (Hina) - Prof. Dr. Branko Jeren was inaugurated as the new Zagreb University Chancellor on Friday. The new Chancellor received the Chancellor's chain and sceptre from his predecessor Prof. Dr. Marijan Sunjic. The inauguration ceremony has renewed the tradition of handing- over the Chancellor's honour of the University, which began in 1875 and was interrupted in 1906. The inaugural ceremony was conducted by Prof. Dr. Juraj Kolaric, Grand Master of the Society of 'Brothers of the Croatian Dragon'. The University of Zagreb, the oldest in Croatia, is marking its 329th academic year this year. In his introductory speech, the new Chancellor Prof. Dr. Jeren stressed the importance of science and university for the future of the Croat people. He called on the whole academic community to start creating a strategy for and reconstruction of Zagreb University. Young people should respond to the numerous challenges created as consequences of a ferocious aggression against Croatia, but also of the decades-long exploitation and destruction of the Croatian economy in the unsuccessful socialist experiment, Jeren said. It is important to bring back to the Croatian youth values of work, moral integrity and knowledge, confirmed in the Croatian tradition, he said. "One should expose false myths on quick and effortless fortune- making, on gaining social privileges through shrewdness, connections and ideological affiliation," Jeren said. "There is no success without persistent work, no progress without knowledge," said the new Chancellor, concluding his speech in line with the glorious tradition of his predecessors, with words "Vivat, crescat, floreat Alma Mater nostra Croatica". Along with members of the university community, the inauguration was also attended by numerous guests and representatives of Croatia's scientific, cultural, political and religious life. (hina) jn rm 061947 MET feb 98