The ceremony took place on October 24 at the Didactic Center and was hosted by Prof. Agnieszka Mielczarek, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine. Representatives of the University authorities also spoke at the event.
“Every stage must eventually come to an end, and a new one begins. This transition always brings a bit of unease,” said Prof. Marek Kuch, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education. “Here, you had everything figured out. Now, as you begin your professional work, you will have to take responsibility on your own. There will be no one to ask for advice… But that’s exactly what you’ve worked for. And I’m glad that’s the case.”
Addressing the graduates, Prof. Agnieszka Mielczarek emphasized the importance of positive emotions and empathy:
“I hope the University has created a space for you to experience positive emotions – joy, a sense of belonging, shared time, the pursuit of passions, sports, and lasting relationships and friendships. I believe that in the years to come, you will look back on such moments with the greatest affection.
I would also like to draw your attention to another essential aspect of your professional life, which is the need to activate your empathy, sensitivity, and readiness to help others. Equally important will be the art of listening, understanding, and being present – not only physically, but also emotionally. (…) In this context, it is worth recalling the words of poet and writer Maya Angelou, who said: ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’”
Oath and awards
No graduation ceremony at MUW would be complete without the graduates’ oath. The medical oath was taken by graduates of the Dentistry program in Polish and in English. Then, bachelor’s graduates of Dental Hygiene and Dental Technology took their oaths.
The award ceremony for distinguished graduates was conducted by Dr. hab. Joanna Peradzyńska, with the awards presented by Prof. Marek Kuch and Prof. Agnieszka Mielczarek.
The Graduate Golden Laurel for the best academic performance was awarded to Kamil Janowski, who also received a diploma with distinction. Diplomas with distinction were also awarded to eight other graduates who achieved an average grade of no less than 4.60:
- Izabela Sarnecka
- Jan Szyszko
- Oliwia Misalska
- Julia Siwonia
- Michał Bilski
- Mateusz Żelaśkiewicz
- Julia Gryn
- Kaja Kłopecka.
Kaja Kłopecka also received the Golden Badge for outstanding scientific achievements. The award was presented by Maria Żmijewska from the MUW Student Scientific Association.
After the presentation of all awards and distinctions (including those funded by members of the Employers’ and External Stakeholders Council and sponsors), diplomas were handed out to the remaining graduates.
Graduates’ voices
Graduate representative Katarzyna Śledź thanked the academic teachers for sharing their knowledge and professionalism, and expressed gratitude to family members for their support – even when the graduates themselves doubted their abilities. She also addressed her fellow graduates:
“My dear fellow graduates, I wish you courage, passion, and satisfaction in your daily work (…) May today mark the beginning of everything we once only dreamed of."
On behalf of the WLS Student Council, Klaudia Dwornikiewicz congratulated the graduates. She also recognized three students who had dedicated their time and energy in recent years to support others, represent the faculty, and strengthen the academic community. The Student Council awards went to:
- Katarzyna Śledź
- Piotr Maliborski
- Emilia Miśkiewicz
The ceremony concluded with a violin performance by Joanna Haltman.
Attendees
Representatives of the University authorities: Prof. Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs and Investments, Prof. Marek Kuch, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, Prof. Marcin Sobczak, Vice-Rector for Research and Technology Transfer, as well as former MUW Rectors: Prof. Marek Krawczyk and Prof. Mirosław Wielgoś.
Guests: Marzena Kowalczyk, Director of the MUW University Clinical Center, Justyna Mieszalska, President of the MUW Medical Center, dr Dariusz Paluszek, Vice-President of the Regional Medical Chamber and Chair of the Committee for Dental Practitioners,
Representatives of other University faculties: Prof. Olga Ciepiela, Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Pharmacy (Medical Analytics Program), Prof. Paweł Włodarski, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr hab. Łukasz Czyżewski, Vice-Dean for Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Maria Struga, Chair of the MUW Council of Medical Sciences Discipline, Jarosław Prugar, Deputy Chancellor of MUW
Co-hosts of the event: Prof. Jolanta Kostrzewa-Janicka, Vice-Dean for Dentistry and Dental Technology, Prof. Izabela Domitrz, Vice-Dean for Physiotherapy, Dr hab. Joanna Peradzyńska, Vice-Dean for Audiophonology with Hearing Prosthetics, Dental Hygiene, and General and Clinical Speech Therapy, Dr hab. Piotr Regulski, Vice-Dean for International Cooperation and the English-language Dentistry and Electroradiology Programs.
