The Evolution of Pharmacy Diploma Awarding Traditions

Abstract

Background: 100 years ago, the first Lithuanian pharmacy diploma was awarded. A graduation diploma opens new opportunities, making this event significant and widely celebrated throughout history. Traditionally, graduates have marked this milestone together with professors, students, and family members. Aim(s): To analyze the historical development of pharmacy diploma awarding traditions and their transformation under political, historical and cultural influences. Methods: The study employs a historical approach and a photographic analysis to examine the evolution of pharmacy diploma awarding traditions Results: Political changes have influenced the traditions of diploma awarding ceremonies. There is little information about how pharmacy graduates in interwar Lithuania celebrated this occasion. During the post-war period, economic hardships affected graduation events. However, over time, a tradition of the "last lecture" emerged, characterized by a student-organized artistic program, a symbolic will for future pharmacy students, and an abundant feast during the final lecture. The diploma ceremony took place in the Great Hall, where the rector awarded diplomas, and the dean delivered congratulatory speeches. In the years of regained independence, around the 2000s, the tradition of wearing academic regalia emerged. Students rented regalia, following a practice that likely originated in Western Europe or the United States. In interwar Lithuania, academic regalia were not used, although female graduates may have occasionally worn traditional national attire. Over time, the diploma awarding ceremony moved to Žalgiris arena. Certain traditions faded, such as the presence of alcohol, which had been a prominent element for many years, as well as the "last lecture" tradition and the symbolic student testament. Conclusion: Graduation traditions have evolved under the influence of political changes. In the years of independence, Western-style traditions gained prominence, shaping a modernized approach to pharmacy diploma awarding ceremonies.