As the current situation does not permit holding an in-person graduation ceremony, the Johannes Kepler University Linz has instead organized a special gift for its graduates. Many traditions and customs are now different due to events during last year. While we would have loved to host a fitting celebration for our first medical graduates that included celebrating their academic success together with family, friends, and guests of honor, it is unfortunately not an option at this moment.

Nevertheless, we would like to celebrate our “pioneers’” accomplishments and spark a little joy. All of the graduates will receive a special "gift box" containing a certificate, a graduation cap, and a congratulations card containing a QR code leading directly to the special graduation website, opens an external URL in a new window.

This page contains virtual congratulations from Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander, JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas and Elgin Drda, Vice-Rector and Dean of the JKU Faculty of Medicine. As a special souvenir, we put together a short film in which four graduates provide an emotional personal perspective and talk their studies at the Center for Medical Education and the Kepler University Hospital. Instead of the traditional group and individual photo, the graduates are invited to send a selfie wearing a graduation cap so that a virtual group photo can be created for the website.

The entire Johannes Kepler University Linz would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the medical degree program graduates and wish our new medical professionals all the best for an exciting future!

Rector Meinhard Lukas: "Dear graduates, you’ve finally finished! You are now physicians; the very first to be produced by our still new Faculty of Medicine. You are pioneers of human medicine in Linz and once again, there are many eyes upon you. You now bear a special responsibility; for the health of those who entrust themselves to you. For patients who depend on your empathy, encouragement and help. As part of a team in which nursing and the medical profession are equally important. Please always remember the expertise, skills and demeanor that Johannes Kepler University has taught you during your studies. Your actions and your outlook make you an ambassador of the Faculty of Medicine. The Johannes Kepler University is proud that you are among the very first medical degree program graduates of the JKU Faculty of Medicine. I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on your tremendous personal achievement and wish you all the very best for your future endeavors. Please stay connected to your university and your medical school. The doors of your alma mater are open to you for a lifetime. Vivat academia, vivant alumni!"

Elgin Drda, Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine: "Dear Graduates! I would prefer to congratulate you in person on successfully completing your medical studies and celebrate your graduation - the first at the JKU Faculty of Medicine at the Johannes Kepler University – with you. This graduation is a milestone for you and also in our university’s history. You have chosen a profession that, in addition to professional expertise, requires a high degree of human interaction and social skills. This will demand great personal commitment on your end. Being a physician means being there for your patients and being reliable as they trust you with their health, taking care of their pain, worries, psychological distress, and providing advice to make important medical decisions. This is also a very moving moment for me because I have been a part creating the Faculty of Medicine from the beginning, starting six years ago with initial negotiations in Vienna to establish the Faculty. I also vividly remember welcoming you as a freshman to the Johannes Kepler University campus back then and I will never forget it. Your university and your faculty are very proud of you. As physicians, you bear a great social responsibility. Always retain your humanity and vulnerability, touched by the fate of your patients. You are the hope of many who put their trust in you. All the best for your future path in life!"

Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander: "Dear Graduates, I congratulate you most warmly and sincerely on your graduation! You are pioneers, among the first to study medicine at Johannes Kepler University Linz and now graduating under very unique and special conditions. A degree is a milestone in the story of your life. The current pandemic does not permit in-person celebrations at this time but know that we would have loved to celebrate this achievement together with you. I wish you all the best!"