LSMU Awards Diplomas to 1,173 Graduates as a New Generation of Professionals in Health Sciences Takes the Oath

A landmark day for the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), its students and their families: on 25 June, 1,173 graduates received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony held at the Kaunas Sports Hall. During the ceremony, graduates of integrated, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes took their professional oaths, recited in both Lithuanian and English.

“The graduation ceremony symbolises your dedication, perseverance, focus and determination to pursue the professional path you have chosen. Your LSMU diploma will serve as a key, opening the door to your future career. Value it, prove yourselves worthy of it, and always respect your colleagues,” Rector of LSMU Professor Rimantas Benetis told this year’s graduates.

The Rector expressed his delight that the celebration extended well beyond the graduates themselves. Family members, representatives of the University’s academic community, the Minister of Health, ambassadors and other distinguished guests all gathered to mark this important occasion.

“This is not only a sign of recognition and respect for your achievements – it is also a testament to how greatly you are needed by our healthcare system and by the country,” he emphasised.

This year, 1,173 specialists graduated from the Faculties of Medicine, Odontology, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Fifteen graduates received Magna Cum Laude diplomas in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

The largest group of graduates came from the Faculty of Medicine, with 405 completing the Medicine programme. They were joined by 136 graduates in Odontology, 161 in Veterinary Medicine, 65 in Pharmacy, 202 in Nursing, 166 in Public Health, and 23 in Animal Sciences.

A significant academic milestone

Kaunas Sports Hall was filled to capacity as parents, family members, friends, academic staff and members of the University community gathered to celebrate one of the most significant milestones in the graduates’ lives.

The LSMU graduation ceremony is a major event for the entire academic community. During the solemn session of the Senate, certificates confirming the pedagogical titles of Professor and Associate Professor, together with their respective badges, were traditionally presented. This year, the title of Professor Emeritus, together with the corresponding certificate and medal, was awarded to Professor Habilitated Doctor Virgilius Ulozas. Professor Ulozas has previously received the prestigious Lithuanian Science Prize (2015) and the Kaunas City Science Prize (2023).

The ceremony also included a special expression of appreciation for the University’s supporters. The General Sponsor Certificate and Medal were presented to Domantas Armonavičius, International Product Manager at Esco Medical Technologies. 

Encouragement to lead with courage and humanity

At the centre of the celebrations were the graduates, dressed in their academic gowns, who received congratulatory messages from distinguished guests and words of encouragement from the deans of the University’s faculties.

Congratulating the graduates, Minister of Health Marija Jakubauskienė stressed that the new generation of healthcare professionals is entering the healthcare system at a time of significant but essential transformation. She emphasised that professional knowledge alone will not be enough; leadership, courage and responsibility will be equally important.

“True professionalism and leadership in medicine are demonstrated where decisions of national importance are made. Whether tomorrow’s healthcare system will be dignified and accessible, or fragmented and distant, will depend on your values and integrity,” the Minister said, encouraging graduates to remain critical thinkers, united in purpose and, above all, compassionate human beings.

Professor Ramunė Kalėdienė, President of the LSMU Alumni Association, wished the graduates challenging opportunities that would strengthen them and build resilience. She reminded them of the value not only of knowledge but also of social capital, encouraging them to maintain the connections they had built with lecturers, classmates and colleagues.

“The University’s greatest strength has never been its buildings, lecture halls or technologies. Its greatest strength has always been its people – those who learned together, supported one another, built a community and created memories that will endure far longer than any examination result,” said Rugilė Kriaučiūnaitė, President of the LSMU Student Union.

She also reminded graduates to take time to appreciate how far they had already come, while continuing to pursue new goals with curiosity, compassion and the courage to remain true to themselves.

The occasion was equally special for the University’s international graduates. LSMU remains one of the most international universities in Lithuania, with international students accounting for 27.7 per cent of the total student body.

The University’s doors will always remain open

“Your diploma is not the end of your journey, but only its beginning. Studying health sciences demands extraordinary commitment from every student. For international students, the challenge is even greater. By choosing a more demanding path in pursuit of a noble goal, you have become an inspiration not only to your families, but also to future generations of students,” said Dianca le Roux, President of the International Committee of the LSMU Student Union.

As tradition dictates, the deans of all LSMU faculties also addressed the graduates. They reminded them that the doors of the University would always remain open and encouraged them to devote themselves wholeheartedly to improving the health of the people of Lithuania, to continue developing their knowledge and skills, to be courageous and to embrace every opportunity life offers.

One of the most meaningful and emotional moments of the ceremony was the graduates’ solemn oath, taken in the presence of their teachers, fellow students and loved ones. The oath was recited in both Lithuanian and English.

The ceremony was accompanied by performances from the academic choir Neris and singer Eglė Jurgaitytė.

LSMU maintains its strong position

LSMU is one of the largest universities specialising in life sciences, health sciences, veterinary medicine and agricultural sciences in the Baltic States. The University continues to rank highly in both national and international rankings and, for the third consecutive year, has been recognised as one of the two leading universities in Lithuania.

All the photos can be found HERE.