The Faculty of Pharmacy at Collegium Medicum UMK, a cornerstone of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń since 1989, has been dedicated to educating future specialists in fields such as pharmacy, medical analytics, and cosmetology. With a commitment to continuous advancement and maintaining high educational standards, the Faculty has earned recognition as one of Poland’s foremost academic institutions. Its study programs emphasize modern diagnostic laboratory techniques, innovative approaches to pharmacy, and advanced cosmetology methods, making them highly valued and sought-after in the job market.
The academic year 2024/25 marks a pivotal period in the history of Collegium Medicum UMK, brimming with three significant anniversaries. This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of the merger between the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz and Nicolaus Copernicus University, resulting in the establishment of Collegium Medicum UMK, the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz, and the 80th anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus University’s inception. These milestones, foundational to the university’s identity, underscore its rich heritage and deep-rooted legacy within Polish medical education.
This year’s Graduation Ceremony, held on October 26, 2024, was not only an occasion to honor the latest cohort of graduates but also a moment for reflecting on the significance of this institution for both the region and the country. The ceremony, imbued with solemnity, welcomed a distinguished assembly, including Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Magdalena Barwiołek, and Vice-Rector for Human Resources and Financial Policy, Prof. Radosław Sojak. The presence of these eminent figures underscored the importance the university places on this special occasion.
Esteemed guests included Member of the Polish Parliament, Mr. Norbert Pietrykowski, Deputy Voivode of Kuyavian-Pomeranian Province, Mr. Michał Koniuch, and representatives of the City of Bydgoszcz, including Deputy Mayor Ms. Iwona Waszkiewicz. Additionally, delegates from the National Chamber of Laboratory Diagnosticians (KIDL), including President Ms. Monika Pintal-Ślimak—who has long collaborated with Collegium Medicum UMK in supporting the development of the medical analytics field—were also in attendance.
This year, diplomas were conferred upon 43 graduates in medical analytics and 56 in cosmetology, including 43 bachelor’s degree recipients and 13 master’s degree recipients. Those who achieved the highest academic distinctions and the authors of the most outstanding master’s theses were duly recognized. Awards sponsored by the National Chamber of Laboratory Diagnosticians and other academic partners emphasized the importance of the knowledge and dedication students invest in their personal and academic development. These honors not only commemorate their hard work but also highlight the significance of ongoing support and cooperation between academic institutions and industry partners.
The event also served as a reminder of the vast opportunities awaiting graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Fields such as medical analytics, pharmacy, and cosmetology form the bedrock of rapidly evolving disciplines that offer not only professional career pathways but also avenues for pursuing research and academic passions. Contemporary medicine and pharmacy demand advanced technologies and skillsets, intrinsic to the education provided at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum UMK.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional rendition of “Gaude Mater Polonia” performed by the Collegium Medicum Choir under the direction of Anna Kocent and Adam Kujawski. This moving moment, filled with pride and emotion, symbolized the culmination of years of study and hard work and marked the beginning of a new chapter for these young graduates in medical analytics and cosmetology. This Graduation Ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also an homage to tradition and a step toward an innovative future awaiting the Faculty of Pharmacy’s alumni at Collegium Medicum UMK.