TESTIMONY OF A GREAT LIFE AND A GREAT CAREER

Abstract

What I am about to say is not just an opening speech for a scientific conference with international participation: "Academician Prof. Dr. Velimir Sotirović, a brilliant mind and an exceptional man, 85 years of life and 65 years of scientific and educational work," which was held at the International University in Brčko on April 29, 2021. This is also a collection of my emotions and reality, as well as a "portrait" of my personal relationship with the character, life, and scientific, research, pedagogical, and educational work of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Velimir Sotirović, whom I, besides calling him rector, professor, and colleague, proudly call a friend.

There is something that creates a strong bond and understanding in this relationship, which has lasted for the past ten years of my life. Simply put, many of his life struggles, but also his triumphs, align with similar—even identical—ones in my own life. Ups and downs, then successes, teaching and scientific activity, praise and criticism—all have unfolded within the framework of the Latin saying "Per aspera ad astra," or "Through hardships to the stars," and, indeed, sometimes even back into the thorns.