On February 27, the White Coat Ceremony was held for the second time at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Pécs.
During the ceremony, third-year pharmacy students and second-year biotechnology students received the white coat symbolizing their profession. The aim of the event is to recognize the students’ achievements and to provide motivation for them to continue their studies.
Additional photos are available HERE.
The event was held in a ceremonial setting in the Dr. György Romhányi Aula of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Pécs. The ceremony was opened by Dr. András Fittler, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Pécs, with the following thoughts:
“When I was about halfway through my pharmacy studies, I experienced a low point. I knew that I was on the right path and that I was capable, yet—as surely happens to many others—when we start something big, long, and difficult, even if we know it is valuable and worthwhile, it requires a tremendous amount of time and energy, and at some point our strength may run out. At the place where I studied, there were no events like this that could have provided momentum,” he shared with the participants in his welcome address, emphasizing: “If we learn to break down big goals into smaller, even very small daily goals, then every single day becomes a reason to celebrate.” – as quoted by the PTE News Centre.
Following the dean’s address, Prof. Dr. Judit Pongrácz, university professor and founder of the Biotechnology BSc program at the faculty, delivered her welcome speech.
After this, the Learning Support Mentor Program was introduced. This unique and highly important scholarship program of the faculty provides support to students who encounter difficulties in their studies. Within the program, senior students—mentors—help their fellow students master the study material successfully. Students who perform outstandingly may themselves become mentors and try their hand at teaching, and their work is rewarded by the faculty in the form of a scholarship.
The ceremony also provided an excellent opportunity to recognize the mentors’ work and to award the most successful mentors with the title “Mentor of the Year.” This year the award was presented to three students by Dr. Rita Börzsei, head of the mentor program, together with the Dean. Among the pharmacy students, Tamás Kaufmann received the award; in the English-language pharmacy program, Caleb Mwenda Muriungi; and in the Biotechnology BSc program, Huong Quynh Pham.
Following this, the moment arrived for the students to receive their personalized white coats from their teachers.
After the presentation, thanks were expressed on behalf of the participating students by Dorottya Imre on behalf of the Hungarian-language pharmacy students, Vladyslav Melnychenko on behalf of the English-language pharmacy students, and Ibrahim Karim Hassan Mohammed on behalf of the biotechnology students.
“If I may give you one piece of advice today. Of course, it’s not mandatory—just strongly recommended. Take a look at how large the pocket of this new coat is! Many things will fit into it: a chemical spoon, a cloth, and a pen—but today let us fill it with more special things. Let us collect wonderful memories, kind sentences, heartfelt words, a hug that means more than anything from a relative or friend, and place all of these in the pocket of our coat. Always keep with you a ‘You can do it!’, a ‘Believe in yourself!’ and an ‘You will succeed!’ And take these seriously! Let us strive to grow, learn, and work as a team every day for our future and for our dreams.” – said Dorottya Imre in her speech of thanks.
After the student speeches, the ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Zsuzsanna Rozmer, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs.
“Studying to become a pharmacist or a biotechnologist is not only a professional path. It leads toward a vocation where precision is not an option but a foundation. Where questions are sometimes more important than quick answers. Where the impact of your work is often invisible, yet it influences people’s lives.” – emphasized the Vice Dean.
Gallery:
Photos:
Zsolt Bencze, Andrea Gátonyiné Csicskár, Dávid Verébi
Video: UnivTV