More than 1,5 thousand KTU bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates from different countries of the world celebrated their graduation at Žalgiris Arena today. The 102nd graduating class received a special congratulations from KTU alumnus, artist Algis Kriščiūnas, who created an artistic greeting for the occasion. The celebration culminated with a musical performance by Evgenya Redko.
“I hope that you will remember your studies as proof that hard work, determination and patience can lead to significant achievements. I believe that all the knowledge and skills you have acquired through academic challenges will serve you well in the future, both professionally and perhaps even in your scientific endeavours,” said the Rector of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Prof. Dr Eugenijus Valatka, congratulating the graduates at the beginning of the celebration.
A total of 1,603 students graduated from KTU this June, including 978 Bachelor’s, 564 Master’s, 54 Professional Pedagogical Studies and 7 Comprehensive Studies graduates. A total of 146 international students from 34 different countries received their diplomas. The university also congratulated the 19 graduates who completed their PhD studies and obtained their doctoral degrees.
According to Evelina Baltuškaitė, Head of the KTU Events Organisation Department, presenting diplomas to graduates on a 360-degree stage, an idea conceived last year, has proved successful in giving each graduate more attention. Therefore, this year, the KTU Events team developed this idea further, inviting the graduates to step onto an even bigger and more impressive stage.
“A 20-metre LED screen was hung above the stage, which transformed during the ceremony to fulfil the visual and integrated elements of the event,” said Eglė Šidlauskienė, Creative Director at KTU.
As every year, the graduates received a special gift from the KTU Alumni Centre, which donated cotton bags with the drawing “From a small dream to a big future” by artist Algis Kriščiūnas. This drawing was commissioned by KTU for the University’s centenary.
“I was once where you are today, at the beginning of my journey. Full of excitement and anticipation, I stood there with my diploma in my hands. But I gained more than just knowledge or a diploma. I gained patience, perseverance and ingenuity. Most importantly of all, I gained the courage to create a life for myself. What you make of it is up to you, if you are not afraid to embrace change and choose the harder, more rewarding path. The real learning starts now and will continue until the end,” said Kriščiūnas to the fresh-out-of-university KTU graduates.
The festive atmosphere of the event was further enhanced by a musical performance from one of the most authentic Lithuanian performers, Evgenya Redko. For one song, the KTU dance studio “MoDance” joined the singer on the stage. KTU brass band, The BrassBees, the Jaunystė choir and the Nemunas national art ensemble also greeted the graduates with their performances.
The graduation ceremony at Žalgiris Arena was hosted by Gabrielė Martirosian and Vytautas Rumšas Jr. Traditionally, the graduates were addressed by their peers. Paulius Spūdys, who holds a PhD in Civil Engineering, encouraged them to have the courage to plan, to embrace the unknown, and to embrace change.
“I want to leave you with one thought: not everything in life needs to be planned. Not everything needs to be understood right away. The most important thing is not to lose yourself. Don’t be afraid to change. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t let fear overwhelm your curiosity. Life changes faster than we do. But within that change lies growth. Happy graduation, dear colleagues. Congratulations on entering a new stage of your life,” said Spūdys in his greeting.
Humay Seymurlu, a graduate of KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology from Azerbaijan, expressed her gratitude to the lecturers and other staff of the University and recalled the most memorable moments from her study years.
“Four years ago, when I was just 17, I came to Lithuania, a country I didn’t know and where I didn’t know a single person. Looking back, I can’t believe how far that girl has come – from interviewing for admission to standing here in front of all of you,” said Seymurlu.
The greetings and performances were followed by the most significant moment of the celebration – the diploma awarding ceremony.
Graduates received their diplomas from the deans of their faculties, symbolically shaking hands and taking joint photographs. As per tradition, the celebration culminated with a thousand graduates tossing their caps into the sky. After the ceremony, all graduates received one more greeting from their Alma Mater – KTU ice cream was served to the new Bachelors, Masters, and Doctors of Science.
