GRADUATION SEASON AT UPFBE

I may be biased, but I personally believe our faculty’s graduation ceremonies are second to none. At UPFBE, we hold graduation twice a year—once in February and again in June—bringing together the diverse cohorts of students who have navigated our wide array of programmes. From bachelor’s students in both English and Hungarian tracks to master’s and doctoral candidates, each group represents a unique blend of backgrounds, ambitions, and stories. To keep things organized, ceremonies are spread across different days, ensuring each cohort receives its moment in the spotlight.

Of course, graduation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s preceded by the ever-intense thesis defence period, where students stand before professors and supervisors to present and defend their research—a final academic hurdle before they can cross the finish line. It’s a nerve-wracking yet deeply rewarding rite of passage.

The ceremony itself is famously precise. Ours is a faculty that runs on punctuality, so latecomers often find the proceedings already underway. While the structure remains consistent year after year—speeches, diploma presentations, the familiar rhythm of tradition—there is always one element that makes each ceremony unforgettable: the students. Every graduating class brings a fresh energy, a new collective personality, and a distinct readiness to step into the world and make it their own.

And the emotions on display are as varied as the graduates themselves. Some walk in with radiant excitement, barely containing their joy. Others appear nervous, still processing the weight of the moment. A few seem lost in thought, reflecting on the journey that brought them here. And then there are those who wear an unmistakable look of relief—the quiet satisfaction of having made it through. These expressions, raw and genuine, are what make each ceremony so captivating as graduates step forward one by one to receive their diplomas.

In less than three hours, it’s all over. The formalities conclude, and the graduates gather on the podium for that iconic group photo—caps tossed high into the air, smiles frozen in time. But is this truly the end of their UPFBE journey? For some, yes—it’s a final farewell to student life as they venture into careers and new beginnings. For others, it’s merely a comma, not a period—they may choose to pursue further studies, dive into research, or explore entirely different paths altogether.

And that, I think, is the beauty of life. There is no single prescribed route to success, no one-size-fits-all formula for fulfilment. Each of us charts our own course, makes our own choices, and writes our own story as we move forward.

So, to the graduates of June 2026: congratulations. Be proud of the time you spent at UPFBE—the friendships you forged, the knowledge you gained, and the person you’ve become. The world is waiting for you. Go own it. 

By: Abigael Simiyu