ABOUT THE AWARD

This honor will be bestowed upon distinguished individuals from Serbia or of Serbian descent worldwide,recognizing their exceptional philanthropic endeavors and contributions.

Named after Miroslav Majkl Đorđević
(1936-2023), the visionary founder of the Studenica Foundation, this award commemorates his legacy as a renowned businessman, diaspora leader, and generous Serbian benefactor who immigrated to America in 1956.

MIROSLAV MICHAEL DJORDJEVIC

Through unwavering dedication, he tirelessly supported the Serbian people, his homeland, and its societal and economic advancement, while fostering connections with the diaspora. His exemplary actions have inspired business leaders, both domestically and internationally, bringing universal values to Serbia. Through the Studenica Foundation,he sponsored over 2,000 Serbian students and talented youths in Serbia, the region, and esteemed American universities, firmly believing in education as the cornerstone of national progress.

COMPETITION PURPOSE

The award aims to honor Miroslav Michael Djordjevic's enduring legacy, encouraging others to emulate his commitment to building stronger, more cohesive communities. Furthermore, it seeks to revitalize and reinforce the tradition of philanthropy and endowment that has significantly shaped the development of Serbian society and nation.

COMPETITION 2024

​WHO QUALIFIES AS A CANDIDATE
​The award welcomes nominations for individuals of exceptional merit, recognized for their outstanding philanthropic contributions to Serbia and the Serbian people, whether within Serbia itself or among the global Serbian diaspora.
WHO CAN NOMINATE A CANDIDATE
Nominations for the award can be submitted by various organizations, companies, and individuals familiar with the work and contributions of potential candidates. These may include nonprofit organizations, media outlets, marketing agencies, businesses and corporations themselves, as well as any interested individuals.
​CRITERIA FOR AWARDING THE PRIZE
​Criteria:
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1) The broad positive impact the nominee has had on the community;
2) The values they represent, business ethics, and their standing within the community;
3) The extent and continuity of their investment in philanthropic projects, i.e., their philanthropic track record.
THE PANEL
​Following a through review of all submissions and adhering to the competition's criteria, the five-member panel will deliberate and select the recipient of the "Miroslav Michael Đorđević" prize.
​THE ORGANIZERS
​The competition for awarding the prize and the ceremonial presentation are organized by the Studenica Foundation with the support of numerous partners. Many other associations, institutions, and media outlets have also lent their support to this event, recognizing its significance and importance.

APPLICATION

You can nominate candidates for the "Miroslav Michael Djordjevic" Philanthropy Award from May 24, 2024, to September 21, 2024. The award will be presented at a special ceremony following the Jury's decision.

The official application form can be downloaded HERE.

You can download the entire competition text HERE .

Please submit your application electronically via email to: [email protected], within the specified deadline.

THE AWARD

The recipient of the award will be presented with a sculpture, a unique creation by the alumni artist of the Studenica Foundation, symbolizing benevolence and philanthropy. This prestigious artwork is crafted by the talented young artist Bogdan Đukanović (bogdandjukanovic.com).

Additionally, the award winner will receive media promotion from the Studenica Foundation and its partners.

BOGDAN DJUKANOVIC

Bogdan Djukanović (1996, Arandjelovac) is a highly acclaimed young artist, currently in Paris for artistic training at Beauk-Arts de Paris in France. Đukanović's works have been extensively exhibited at significant domestic and international exhibitions dedicated to new artists. He is the founder of the student experimental space Flu OpenLab in Belgrade. He completed his undergraduate and master's academic studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Belgrade and continued his doctoral artistic studies at the same faculty. He has studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Xi'an, China, as well as at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, France, where he is currently continuing his artistic growth. For more information about the artist, see HERE​.

THE SCULPTURE CREATION PROCESS FOR THE AWARD
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After collecting natural elements, the sculpture is crafted in beeswax using casts of real branches and fruits, as well as taking and preserving natural prints of oak, walnut, plum, cherry and raspberry leaves. Due to the inherent methodology of creating such works and the individual assembly of all separate elements, each sculpture part is unique, making every sculpted piece distinct and especially valuable.

After sculpting realistic models in wax, the sculptures are prepared for casting in bronze - a noble material that will perpetuate all the symbolism of grafting and metaphorically represent charity, philanthropy, selfless giving, patriotism, nobility, strength and determination.

This refined sculpture, made from an oak branch with acorns, the main motif and bearer of the idea, which rises vertically on white marble, along with the symmetrical sides of grafted fruit collected from our region, creates a sense of balance and peace, proclaiming itself as a unique symbol of the beauty of giving.

Bogdan Djukanovic

PARTNERS