Pharmacists, biotechnologists, and dentists received their diplomas on the first Saturday of July at the UP Medical School, who, besides their professional knowledge, carry with them memories of the community, experiences, friendships, professors and fellow students with whom they faced the challenges of earning their degrees through lots of studying and dedication.
Written by Hanga Kovács
On 5 July, a total of 126 students received their diplomas during the graduation ceremony of the dentistry, biotechnology, and pharmacy programmes held in the Dr. Romhányi György Aula of the Medical School. 56 pharmacists, 50 dentists, and 20 biotechnologists put on their gowns, including not only Hungarian students but also graduates from the English and German programmes.
“I am grateful to have become part of a community that, with its knowledge and expertise, works every day to improve the quality of life of others, aid their recovery, and provide safety to patients in an often unpredictable world. It is deeply moving to think that from now on, I belong to this profession too,” said Virág Ángyán, who hopes to begin her career as a pharmacist resident at the hospital in Kaposvár.
“The people I met during the years are the most important to me: I have had the chance to work with professors and researchers I consider role models, and to whom I will always be deeply grateful. I have also formed friendships with my fellow students that will last a lifetime. Right now, I am feeling a mixture of relief, exhaustion, joy, and a great amount of uncertainty—but behind it all, there is a quiet pride: I did it,” she emphasized. She also shared that for the past two years, she has been part of the PharmD/PhD programme, which allowed her to start her doctoral research during her undergraduate studies. She plans to continue this path as a part-time PhD student.
Among the graduates was Olivér Horváth, too, who plans to complete his dental residency training at the UP Clinical Centre Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
“Thanks to the university, I have made many new acquaintances. I had the chance to exchange ideas with people with different worldviews and perspectives. Student life prepared me completely for the postgraduate phase. After all the studying and exams, the most important lesson for me is to learn for myself and keep moving forward. Do not let negative comments get to you, but it is also important not to be giddy with success. Be satisfied with your own achievements and the work you have done,” he emphasized.
Sarah Shubail, of Hungarian-Yemeni background, also received her pharmacy diploma at the ceremony. She said that throughout her studies, she took advantage of many opportunities the university offered. She served as vice-president and social media officer in the Student Council, was a member of the László Cholnoky College of Advanced Studies in Pharmacy and Biotechnology and was actively involved in student community life as well.
“I have grown tremendously on a professional level. I had the chance to participate in research, attend national and international scientific conferences (TDK and OTDK), and gain experience in various fields. The university taught me perseverance, collaboration, and to believe in myself, that I can do it even in the moments when it felt impossible to continue. Since childhood, I dreamed of following in my father’s footsteps and graduating from the University of Pécs. Now that this dream has come true, it feels special and uplifting. I am very grateful to my parents; I would not be here without them. I still cannot quite believe that university is over, and I am a pharmacist. The difficulties are slowly fading into the background, and the moments of success remain. I am truly grateful to have made it this far,” she reflected.
Photos:
Dávid Verébi