Today was held one of the most important celebrations of the Law Faculty of Vilnius University – the winter diploma ceremony, which took place at the St. John’s Church. 61 students successfully have completed their studies and received their Master of Law diplomas, 21 of them studied in the Integral Studies programme, 40 in “International and European Law and “Criminal Justice” master programmes. The ceremony included the awarding of 5 Cum Laude diplomas and congratulatory speeches by guests and students.
The first welcoming speech was delivered by the Pro-Rector for Studies at Vilnius University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valdas Jaskūnas, who stressed the importance of science in order to implement one’s visions. General prosecutor Nida Grunskienė spoke, “Starting today, there will be very broad opportunities. I wish to go forward, to keep going,“ and wished the graduates to follow the principles of justice.
Gintautas Bartkus, Chairman of the Board of the Alumni Association of the VU Law Faculty, also gave a speech at the ceremony. He reminded the audience of the security and ecological problems currently plaguing the world and Europe. “In such a situation, it is useful to reflect on eternal things,“ he added: “There is no trouble in future that you cannot overcome.” Finally, G. Bartkus invited the students to join the Alumni Association.
Remigijus Lapinskas, social partner of the VU Law Faculty, also spoke at the event. “Law is the art of kindness and justice. Law is a tool with which you create justice. Law is a weapon that most of society does not have. So use it responsibly,” he said.
Graduates spoke at the event and congratulated their fellow students. Arnoldas Žuras, who studied in the Criminal Justice programme, said that his studies were interesting and harmonious. Anna Shyliuk, who studied in European and International Law programme, expressed her gratitude to the lecturers of the VU Law Faculty.
Finally, the Dean of the VU Law Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haroldas Šinkūnas, congratulated the participants of the event. He recalled the challenges the world is facing, urged to respect justice and pursue bright goals. “A book of wisdom says: “The star that shines for you is your star”. May the star of justice shine and guide you. Let me recall the wonderful words of Aristotle: “Neither the morning star nor the evening star is as great as justice”. I sincerely invite you to spread the light, share it and do not spare it“, said H. Šinkūnas.
During the celebration were announced Kazimieras Motieka Foundation’s prizes for the best dissertations of the academic year. The winners are Dr. Alaa Al Aridi Al Dakour and Dr. Justinas Bagdžius. The prizes were presented by the Foundation’s representative, Albertas Šekštelo.
This time were given 5 Cum Laude diplomas to students: Marcus Fabian Brinck, Anna Madei, Rostyslav Prystai, Anna Shyliuk, Divya Negi.
During the ceremony, piano music was played by Dr. Rūta Bakševičienė, assistant professor at the VU Law Faculty.
