New York Croat honored with 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award

Srecko Mavrek (Photo: Private album)

A renowned New York Croat and an internationally recognized educational expert, Srecko Mavrek, has been awarded the 2024 Hostos Community College Excellence in Teaching Award.

Since 2016, he has taught Beginning Swimming and Beginning Yoga courses at Hostos, one of the 25 colleges of the City University of New York. 

Since this was the first year that the award was given, it is an extraordinary accomplishment. This recognition reflects his outstanding commitment to innovative teaching and the significant impact his teaching has on the success of his students. 

The selection process for this award is rigorous, involving a thorough review by a committee dedicated to identifying exceptional teaching practices. 

This award is not only a demonstration of his outstanding teaching abilities, but also of the high regard his colleagues have for him. He was formally recognized and presented with the award by President Cocco De Filippis and Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs Shiang-Kwei at the Faculty Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday.

(Photo: Private album)

As a Croatian immigrant, Mavrek previously worked as a researcher and lecturer at the Universities of Udine in Italy, Karl-Franz-University Graz in Austria, Augsburg University in Germany, and Pecs University in Hungary. 

Mavrek came to the USA in 2005 to teach as an international physical educator. He currently serves as a member of SHAPE America’s Physical Education Council, as well as a reviewer for the peer-reviewed journal Strategies – A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators. 

He also served as the official representative of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education at the United Nations Department for Global Communications. 

(Photo: Private album)

He received several prestigious professional awards, including the 2016 President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award, the 2015 SHAPE America Eastern District High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, and the 2012 National Service Award (Council for Aquatic Professionals, AAPAR/American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance). 

During his professional career, he has presented more than 100 oral and poster presentations, workshops, and invited lectures in New York City, New York State, American and international conferences and seminars in 15 countries.

Otherwise, Mavrek sings tenor in the klapa Astoria, which became famous by performing the American national anthem at Croatian Heritage Night in Madison Square Garden five years ago. In Science of Music, he writes traditional and world music and plays various instruments.  

(Photo: Private album)

He was one of the hosts on Croatian Radio NY and has articles appearing in HIA, Croatia Week, and other media. He has been a passionate Croatian lobbyist and promoter of Croatian national heritage and cultural values in America and worldwide since the 1990s. He received the special award “Večernjak’s Hometown” and the American-Croatian Congress award in 2023.