On 22 May 2026, the graduation ceremony for graduates of the Blessed Sára Salkaházi branch campus of St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work in Rožňava took place in the theatre hall of the Business and Cultural Centre in Rožňava.
This exceptional academic event was marked by an atmosphere of dignity, gratitude, pride and respect for education, which is one of the most important pillars of human and professional service to society.
To the sound of ceremonial fanfares, graduates of the Nursing and Social Work programmes entered the hall, joined for the very first time by graduates of the University of the Third Age. They were followed by the academic community, led by the Rector of the university, prof. MUDr. Stanislav Špánik, CSc., MHA, the head of the Rožňava branch campus, prof. PhDr. Mária Kilíková, PhD., MPH, and other members of the academic community.
During the ceremony, diplomas were awarded to 54 graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Nursing, 18 graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Social Work and 14 graduates of the Master’s programme in Social Work. A particularly significant moment was the first-ever graduation of the University of the Third Age: 42 students successfully completed the programme, 40 of whom attended the ceremony in person. This moment became a symbolic confirmation that education, personal growth and the desire for knowledge know no age limits.
The ceremony was opened by PhDr. Marek Koltáš, PhD., MBA. In his address, he emphasised that graduation is not merely the formal completion of studies but, above all, a confirmation that graduates are ready to bear professional, moral and human responsibility towards those who will need their help, care, accompaniment and support. He reminded the graduates that their years of study were not only about acquiring knowledge but also about forming a personality built on the values of empathy, humility, respect and service to others.
The ceremony included speeches by representatives of the academic community and the graduates’ oath, in which they pledged to practise their future profession in the spirit of Christian humanism and ethics, protecting human dignity and respecting life.
The event was given particular dignity by the recognition of students and graduates who had represented the university during their studies through research, publications and professional activities, as well as through active participation in conferences and academic events.
Another important symbolic moment was the presentation of bronze “St. Elizabeth Bratislava” pins to graduates of the Nursing programme. The pins symbolise professional identity, belonging to the university, and a commitment to practise their profession with expertise, humanity and moral integrity.
The graduation ceremony was streamed live on the branch campus’s YouTube channel and social media, allowing the graduates’ families, friends and supporters to share this special moment from afar.
The event was a dignified expression of academic tradition and respect for education, and a tribute to all those who, through their perseverance, determination and humanity, fulfil the mission of the helping professions. The ceremony also confirmed that the Blessed Sára Salkaházi branch campus in Rožňava is a place where professional education naturally goes hand in hand with the values of humanity, solidarity and service to others.
You can also read about the graduation ceremony in the article Historicky prvé promócie seniorov v Rožňave, diplom získalo 42 študentov (in Slovak), published in Rožňavské noviny.
