The ceremony was opened by Prof. Dr. Klára Gellén, Vice Rector of the University of Szeged.

The ceremony was continued by Prof. Dr. Zoltán Baráth, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. In his speech, he stressed that in this digitalised, algorithmised world, there is an even greater need for those who heal through real human connections. "In clinical practices, they have experienced that treatment is not just a rigorous series of precise movements. A hand that moves with certainty can sometimes soothe you when you need it."

The most touching part of the graduation was undoubtedly the ceremonial swearing-in, during which the graduates took a vow to always put the patient first, to practice their skills with conscientiousness and humanity. The words of the oath were not just part of a traditional act, but a true symbol of the responsibility that recent graduates now officially bear.

One of the most solemn moments of the ceremony was the oath-taking ceremony, a symbol of the commitment of recent graduates to their profession. The text of the oath was read out by Dr. Bálint Deák, line by line, in a solemn tone. The students then repeated the oath in unison.

The oath was followed by the conferral of diplomas - each student was called to the podium individually, where they shook hands and received their diplomas.

One of the symbolic and touching moments of the ceremony was the tasselling of the diploma cap. This gesture is a symbol of the end of university studies worldwide. The graduating students moved their tassels from the left to the right side of the cap in a single gesture, symbolizing that they have officially graduated from student to graduate.

The ceremony also included the presentation of faculty and university prizes and awards, this year the following people were honoured:

The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged has awarded the “Outstanding Teacher of the Faculty of Dentistry” to Dr. Márk Fráter Associate Professor and Dr. Dezfully Alireza KhandanAssistant Professor for their commitment to the Faculty and their active participation in the theoretical and practical education of Hungarian and English dental students.

The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged has awarded the “Outstanding Candidate of the Faculty of Dentistry” to Dr. János Hoppenthaler and Dr. Robin Kasza in recognition of their attitude, professionalism, diligence and professionalism, which have positively influenced the image of the Faculty.

The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged has awarded the “Outstanding Supervisor of the Faculty of Dentistry” award to Dr. Márió Gajdács, Assistant Professor, for her outstanding and dedicated work in the preparation of the students of the Faculty at the Scientific Student Conference. Dr. Márió Gajdács received her award at a later date.

The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged has awarded a “Dean's Certificate of Recognition” to Ádám Hódi, Dean's Office Expert, for his outstanding work at the Faculty.

Following consultation with the University Student Self-Government, the Senate of the University of Szeged, on the recommendation of the Faculty of Dentistry, awarded the Discipuli pro Universitate Award to Dr. Péter Andor Bostyán, newly inaugurated Doctor of Dentistry, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements and his supportive attitude towards his fellow students.

The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged has awarded the “Outstanding Student of the Faculty of Dentistry” diploma to Dr. Fatemeh Noori, a former student and newly-inaugurated Doctor of Dentistry, in recognition of his exemplary academic achievements.

The Faculty Council of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Szeged has awarded the “Outstanding Student of the Faculty of Dentistry” diploma to Aliz Alföldi and Dr. Rita Imre for their outstanding scientific student research activities.

At the end of the medals ceremony, the ceremony came to an end and then came the robe toss.

As the official graduation ceremony came to an end, the graduates, with their fresh diplomas in hand, patted each other on the back and took photos as they said goodbye to their university years. The ceremony was not just the closing of a chapter, but also a gateway to a new world - a world of knowledge, responsibility and the medical profession.

Article written by: Ádám Hódi
Photos by Edina Wolf and Gergő Vass

The full ceremony can be viewed via youtube video, available via the following link: