The commencement ceremony was opened by Dr. Ferenc Bánhidy, vice-rector for general affairs of Semmelweis University. In his speech, he reminded those present that due to the pandemic, it has been a long time since they have been able to participate in such a social event. “The pandemic has taught people many things, one of the most important of which was how fragile people’s health is, and how vulnerable we are to factors that science has been unable to control yet. But it was also an important lesson how fantastic a performance medical science and health care can achieve: developing a vaccine in record time, and the achievements in patient care around the world as well as in Hungary prove that health care works and can give adequate answers to challenges,” said Dr. Bánhidy. He added that currently 11,047 students are studying at Semmelweis University, who will all work in health care, as colleagues, using their skills and knowledge to solve situations similar to the coronavirus pandemic.
The vice-rector noted that the Faculty of Health Sciences provides education and practical training to 3,534 Hungarian and international students, including 14 different health care professional training programs, which is unique in Europe. Most students also did volunteer work during the pandemic, which helped to mature them, both as individuals and professionals. “I hope when they decided to pursue a career in health care they found their calling, and the knowledge and experience they gained so far will help them serve sick, ailing and health-conscious people even better and with more enthusiasm,” said Dr. Bánhidy, congratulating those now receiving their diplomas.
Next, graduating students were greeted by dean Dr. Gabriella Dörnyei. She also pointed out how the pandemic had brought forward their introduction to a life in health care, and how the coronavirus demanded more flexibility and a higher level of performance from everyone at the faculty, including teachers and students. She emphasized that everyone performed in an exemplary fashion, with education and exams continuing smoothly, and students also providing valuable services during their secondments.
Dr. Dörnyei also talked about the university’s ongoing model change and one of the faculty’s biggest developments ever taking place, during which a new, modern wing will be built for the faculty building. “Our university is placed high in international rankings and is continuously improving in many categories. As the value of the diploma depends in large part on the university’s prestige, this trend is beneficial to all of our students, and university leaders are committed to further improve its international standing and become one of the top 100 universities in the world,” she declared.
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Then, led by vice-dean Dr. István Vingender, graduating students took their oaths, after which Dr. Ferenc Bánhidy and Dr. Gabriella Dörnyei handed over the diplomas. In the course of the ceremony, graduates of the nursing, dietetics, physiotherapy, paramedic, midwifery, public health inspector, health visitor, optometry, radiography and health tourism organizer specializations received their diplomas, as well as graduates of the master degree programs in nursing, physiotherapy, nutritional sciences, teacher of health care, and other further specialization areas.
In the name of the graduating class, freshly graduated public health inspector Gábor Gyenes held a speech, in which he noted that even though graduates had different specializations, they all faced the same challenges. He thanked all the friends and family of graduating students for their support, and reminded those present that their future is in their own hands, and as they achieved this success of graduating, with enough perseverance they can achieve everything else they wish. Speaking in the name of international students, nurse Larsen Malin said they all gained lifelong experiences at the university, in addition to receiving a strong theoretical and practical education.
The event closed with a performance by the Medic Orchestra of Semmelweis University.
Ádám Szabó
Translation: Tamás Deme
Photo: Zoltán Adrián, Zoltán Tuba
