Ester Gómez, a lecturer and nurse who is an expert in Accident and Emergency Care, was the patron this year for the new batch of nursing graduates. In her speech, she reflected on the role of her profession and how it is perceived in today's society. “Nursing is a wonderful job, but it not only involves the work done at hospital bedsides,” said Gómez, “Nursing also involves management, quality and training skills.”

In her speech, she also highlighted the role played by nursing students during the pandemic: “I would like to express my admiration and thanks for putting your vocation and passion before fear and uncertainty. No one was prepared, but thanks to nursing students we got rid of many prejudices people have about our profession.”

The patron also emphasised the work the recent graduates will do in society. “Your responsibility is to support others when they are suffering, are in pain, or are lonely,” she said, “I am sure that we will be able to continue humanising a job that they are increasingly trying to mechanise.”

Following the speech from the patron, graduation diplomas were awarded and speeches were given by the class representatives for the degree and master's degree programmes. The event was brought to a close by the director of the Department of Nursing, Dr Cristina Monforte, and finished with the traditional university anthem Gaudeamus Igitur.