Joy and promise as KI students graduated
On Friday 16 January, newly graduated occupational therapists, physiotherapists, medical doctors and nurses were celebrated during this year’s graduation ceremonies in Aula Medica, together with their families and friends. It marked the end of many semesters of hard work – and a day that all in attendance will remember.
The ceremonies began, as tradition dictates, with a solemn string performance by Rosa Kvartetten as the students processed into the hall behind the ceremonial banners. Once everyone had taken their seats, KI’s president Annika Östman Wernerson delivered her address via video message, as she is currently recovering from a knee injury.
In her speech, the president emphasised the importance of knowledge, commitment and professional competence among those now stepping into working life. She extended her warm thanks to the students and their families, and wished them every success in the future.
Friends for life
One of those taking this next step is Mohamed Kassem, newly graduated physiotherapist and one of the students celebrated in Aula Medica.
“I’m starting work as a physiotherapist in primary care to gain broad experience, while continuing to develop within sports medicine — the field I hope to specialise in later on,” he says.
Nursing graduates Julia Chukro and Sara Luhr also received their degrees that day. They first met on the very first day of their programme when they happened to sit next to each other during roll call. Since then, they have followed each other through the entire programme, become close friends, and are now looking forward to their next adventure together.
“After graduation, we’re heading to Australia,” says Julia Chukro.
Speeches, music and well‑wishes
The ceremony continued with speeches from each programme director, who thanked the students for their time at KI and wished them well in their future careers.
The students were then called up one by one to receive their white envelopes, presented by Rune Brautaset, Acting Vice President for Education. The envelopes contained well‑wishes from KI and were received to cheers from family, friends and fellow students.
After the speeches, the Erling Persson Hall was filled with music and energy. Kiralina Salandy and the Rosa Kvartetten performed Think and later Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, both of which brought the audience to their feet in joyful applause.
The last speech was given by Rune Brautaset, who reminded the graduates that completing their degree is not an ending but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. He encouraged them to enter working life with curiosity and courage – and not to forget to enjoy the journey along the way.
A warm congratulations to all our graduates!