A special graduation ceremony for Nursing and Social Work students was held at UITM. Graduates, lecturers, families, and invited guests gathered to celebrate this important moment. The event included the traditional nursing cap ceremony, one of the most symbolic moments in the profession.
This year’s ceremony was especially important. For the first time in the university’s history, diplomas were awarded to graduates of the Social Work program. The academic community welcomed 72 Nursing graduates and 13 Social Work graduates. The students came from Poland, India, Zimbabwe, and Ukraine.
Dr. Barbara Przywara, Vice-Rector for Teaching, emphasized that nursing and social work are professions based on empathy, responsibility, and dedication to helping others. She noted that nursing is a foundation of healthcare. She also described social work as a profession that restores dignity and hope to people in difficult situations.
Graduates received congratulations from representatives of healthcare and social institutions in Rzeszów. One of the most emotional moments was the traditional capping ceremony. It symbolized readiness to begin professional practice.
Special awards were presented to students with the best academic results. Magdalena Ziaja achieved the highest score among Polish-language Nursing students. Yemurai Chigubu received the top result among English-language Nursing students. Tinotenda Chikwama achieved the best result in the Social Work program. All three also received the title of “Graduate of the Year.”
During the ceremony, graduates thanked lecturers and university staff for their support and encouragement. Student representatives said their studies were not only about education. They also spoke about friendship, personal growth, empathy, and responsibility.
The event highlighted the international character of the university. It also showed the growing importance of educating specialists in healthcare and social services for today’s society and labor market.
