LSMU graduation ceremony: more than a thousand of new specialists begin their professional journey

On Wednesday, 25 June, at Žalgiris Arena, over a thousand graduates took their oaths and received their diplomas in Bachelor, Master, and Integrated Studies, marking a significant day for the academic community, students, families, and friends of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU).

An important academic event

“Your work will have a profound and lasting impact on many lives and destinies. The culmination of rigorous and disciplined coursework, clinical experience, and intellectual and personal development and maturity, this day represents a significant turning point in the lives of our graduates. You have shown the strength and leadership abilities required in the health sciences, as well as achieved the prerequisites of your academic programmes.

Moral and professional ethical standards, which characterise our respectable profession, are what you take away from the university in addition to academic achievement.” The rector of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Professor Rimantas Benetis, told this year’s graduates.

The rector emphasised that global health issues and unchecked social discrimination are significant problems and obligations at a time when science is drastically altering the future.

“I think that your intelligence, understanding, humanity, and empathy are all prepared to take on these challenges. May the knowledge you have acquired here serve as a tool for your practices and as a force for healing, justice, and equality,” remarked Prof. R. Benetis.

A celebration for the entire community

Of the 1134 specialists who graduated this year from LSMU’s faculties of medicine, odontology, pharmacy, nursing, public health, veterinary medicine and animal sciences, 20 of them ahieved exceptionally high academic standing and received scholarships from sponsors in addition to diplomas with honours Magna Cum Laude. This year, medical doctors made up the largest group of LSMU graduates (431).

Parents, families, and friends of the graduates flocked to the Žalgiris Arena on this joyous day to commemorate a significant milestone in their life. The LSMU graduation ceremony is a unique occasion for the university’s entire academic community. Honorary guests greet attendees, and certificates and badges bearing the pedagogical titles of professors and associate professors are customarily presented during the Senate’s ceremonial meeting.

Respect for sponsors: an investment in the university’s future

In honour of the university’s general sponsors, this year’s festivities included the presentation of certificates and medals attesting to this to representatives of two foundations: Prof. Arvydas Janulaitis, the founder of the Future Biomedical Fund, Dr. Eglė Mažeikė, the foundation’s director, and the chairwoman of the board, Dr. Eglė Radzevičienė, as well as Ignas Stankovičius, the director of the Lithuanian Freedom Through Education Fund Inc., Lithuania.

The audience’s attention was focused on the university graduates wearing festive robes. Prominent guests welcomed them, and the deans of the university’s faculties congratulated them.

“The degree you obtained via perseverance, strong will, and unwavering faith is only the first step. You’ve learnt at the university to believe in yourself, your goals, and your ability to achieve them. Think of yourself as a great doctor, a brilliant scientist or educator, a knowledgeable public or animal health specialist, and be a little out of the ordinary, fairly impudent, and healthily crazy about your aspiration, about your vision. Live for the future,” said the University Council Chairman Gintaras Skorupskas.

One of the most noble responsibilities is service to life.

“Today is your golden hour: the instant when your will and decision delivered a stunning, significant, and powerful perspective. The authority and leadership that come with your diploma mark the start of a fulfilling career path. Your days will now be filled with duty and deep purpose.”

“You chose to serve life — human and animal. One of the noblest duties. Your support, skill, and human connection are expected by society, and you are trusted. This is not just a job, it is leadership and a calling”. Stated, Minister of Health Marija Jakubauskienė, congratulating the graduates.

“Those who go far are said to discover more than they set out to do. These years weren’t merely spent studying; they were a time when you matured, found your identity, and met individuals who could be your lifelong companions. You found knowledge, yourself, and fellowship in the auditoriums, libraries, or long evenings working on projects,” said Rugilė Kriaučiūnaitė, President of the LSMU Student Union.

The deans of the faculties traditionally spoke to the graduates as well, reminding them that the university’s doors are always open and wishing them to improve their knowledge and skills, be brave, open themselves to life’s opportunities, and strengthen the health of the Lithuanian people with all of their might and an open heart.

The solemn oath taken by graduates in front of their educators, fellow students, and families and friends is a significant, thrilling, and one-of-a-kind aspect of this LSMU event. Since LSMU is one of the nation’s most international universities, the oath was also taken in English.

LSMU positions — particularly high

One of the biggest and most cutting-edge institutions in the Baltic States, LSMU upholds remarkably high rankings both domestically and internationally while promoting European traditions in the fields of life, health, veterinary, and agricultural sciences. LSMU ranks second among the top Lithuanian public universities in the 2025 list. LSMU received a particularly high rating in this year’s THE Impact rankings, moving up more than 400 places in the worldwide university context.