To never stop improving
Because the quarantine is still in place in the country, the graduation celebration still has not returned to the traditional rhythm, when the young specialists who have just received their degrees can be freely embraced. This year almost a thousand graduates received their degrees, whilst the congratulatory words flew over in virtual manner.
During the celebration the former long-term LSMU Rector Prof. Remigijus Žaliūnas was also honoured. For his achievements for the university he was awarded the Rector Emeritus title. During the special University event Professor and Docent titles were also awarded.
The graduates and the whole community were congratulated during this momentous occasion by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda. He stressed the importance of the healthcare specialists in preservation of human lives.
“Having built up knowledge and skills through the long study years you will soon be able to implement them in practice. Many of you will be joining the Lithuanian healthcare system, which recently has endured complicated challenges. During the pandemic the society has once again experienced how important and significant is the work of the healthcare specialists, scientists, doctors, nurses, public health specialists. You will be participants in the endless battle for the health of humans and animals. The faith of the Lithuanian people in the healthcare system, and the country itself, will depend on your dedication and invested effort,“ – these congratulatory words were spoken by G. Nausėda along with a wish for continued improvement, gathering of knowledge and retention of humanity.
Kaunas Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis, seconded the President, expressing, that medical personnel are fulfilling a very important mission, filled with challenges and surprises. “You have completed a long and arduous path, but more awaits ahead. Today your honourable mission is more important than ever before. I hope that once your studies are complete you will settle and put down your roots in the expanding city of Kaunas,“ – wished the Mayor.
Gratitude for time spent together
LSMU representatives expressed their gratitude to graduates for trusting the university and as a consequence departing with a whole package of knowledge which will aid them in creating a better future. The University’s Rector Prof. Rimantas Benetis is certain, that the graduation ceremony was crowned by the skills and understanding that were developed for numerous years, he spoke of the significance of the doctor’s profession: “You head into your lives at a very important moment, the pandemic which has accompanied you during the last year of your studies, you will encounter it upon leaving your studies with our University’s degree in your hands. I hope you will do everything in your power to make it an honour to hold our University’s degree throughout your life. You will have to become the soul of those who are suffering, who are ill. You will encounter chaos, but I believe you will solve these problems, you will fulfil your duty,“ – such congratulatory words were spoken by the Rector.
Other members of the University‘s community connected the whole years of studies with beautiful words, shared emotions and expressed their support, for the young health specialists to be able to stand strong and to be proud for helping people.” No matter what kind of work you will be doing in the future, may it be a source of refreshment, inspiration and joy. May the days not burden you and the new stage make your heart happy, open your mind, inspire you for new aspirations, and reveal new horizons. Your life depends not on what life gives you but on what you give to life. Circumstances and events colour life but you choose the colours,“ – the graduates were congratulated by the Chairperson of the LSMU Senate Prof. Jūratė Macijauskienė.
“Even during the hardest time, the University has tried to fulfil your expectations. You have worked a lot and hard, the degree you have earned through hard work and determination is only the beginning. The beginning of commitment to your life. The University has prepared you for everything and most importantly taught you to believe in yourself. Live not just for yourselves, live for the future, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Lithuania needs heroes who aren’t burnt out,” – the Chairman of the LSMU Council Gintaras Skorupskas expressed his gratitude to the young specialists for the time spent together during studies.
Graduates – unique leaders
LSMU graduates were also congratulated by the chancellors, vice-rectors and other professors who accompanied them during their journey of knowledge, students encouraged to not forget one another and to feel their support. “I wish you good luck, to not be afraid to dream, create, sometimes destroy, reach for the aspirations you have set, work in the desired field, learn, study. Also, I would like to remind you that the student community believes in you and will always support you, and you are the future leaders of healthcare,“ – President of the LSMU SA Evelina Alūzaitė expressed the support which the students will provide to one another, independently of the fact whether they are halfway through their studies, or whether they already hold their degrees in their hands.
Future doctors were also congratulated by band The Roop who sent musical performances from various parts of the University. “We wish for you to remain unique,” – after the songs added the leader of the band Vaidotas Valiukevičius.
International rhythm
This year 962 graduates graduated LSMU, 118 of them arrived from various countries of the world. The University‘s community rejoiced that there are more and more international students in the community.
Besides 360 future doctors, of whom 74 arrived from abroad, University‘s degrees were also awarded to 115 graduates of the Faculty of Odontology, amongst them – 21 international students. Studies were also completed by 111 future Pharmacists of whom there were 5 international students.
A particularly large crowd of specialists graduated this year – the Faculty of Nursing awarded 165 degrees (three of those to international students). Faculty of Public Health prepared 89 Lithuanian and 5 international specialists.
The Faculty of Animal Sciences awarded 35 degrees to Lithuanian students and four more to international students. LSMU degrees were awarded to 75 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine graduates, of whom 3 were international students.
