The NOVA Medical School Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025/2026 took place on July 6, bringing together graduating students, their families, faculty, staff, and guests at the Rectorate Auditorium of NOVA University Lisbon to celebrate the completion of a significant milestone in their academic journey.
The ceremony began with the entrance of the NOVA Choir and the Academic Procession to the sound of the Academic Anthem, followed by the opening session, featuring addresses by the Rector of NOVA University Lisbon, Professor Paulo Pereira; the Dean of NOVA Medical School, Professor Pedro Póvoa; and the President of the NOVA Medical School Students' Association, Diana Ribeiro.
The afternoon's keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Professor and former Dean of NOVA Medical School, Professor Jaime da Cunha Branco, who shared an inspiring message with the new graduates about the meaning of their profession, the responsibility of caring for others, and the importance of practicing Medicine and Nutrition Sciences with knowledge, compassion, and commitment.
Representing the graduating students, Rafaela Madaleno Pedro, from the Integrated Master's in Medicine, and Leonor Filipe, from the Bachelor's Degree in Nutritional Sciences, reflected on their time at NOVA Medical School, expressing gratitude while recalling the challenges they overcame, the knowledge they gained, and the lasting bonds they built throughout their academic journey.
One of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony was the presentation of graduation certificates to the graduates of the Bachelor's Degree in Nutritional Sciences and the Integrated Master's in Medicine, symbolizing the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and personal and academic growth. The certificates were presented by the Dean of NOVA Medical School, Professor Pedro Póvoa, together with the School's academic leaders and members of the Executive Board.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional group photograph of the graduating class and the symbolic ribbon toss, as students celebrated alongside their families and friends. The event ended with a performance by the Lisbon Medical Students' Tuna, bringing the ceremony to a close in an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
NOVA Medical School congratulates all graduates of the 2025/2026 academic year and wishes them every success in this new chapter of their lives. May they carry forward the School's values of excellence, innovation, responsibility, and commitment to the community, continuing to contribute to improving the health and well-being of society.