The evening began with institutional addresses delivered by Giovanna Colatrella, Head of Continuing Education in the Healthcare Sector at DEASS; Alberto Piatti, Director of Research development and Knowledge Transfer​​​​​​​ and Continuing Education at SUPSI; and Mariano Cavolo, Head of Continuing Education at DEASS. In their speeches, they emphasised the value of continuing education as a conscious and demanding choice, capable of combining personal growth with professional responsibility, within a sector – that of healthcare – characterised by increasing complexity and change.

Throughout the speeches, the profound significance of this milestone emerged clearly: not merely the acquisition of new skills, but a journey built on determination, confidence and the ability to put oneself to the test. The graduates were recognised as professionals capable of developing a mindful and relational approach, essential for working in contexts where the human connection is central.

Continuing education was also described as a shared process, involving teachers, staff, employers and families, all part of a community that supports and accompanies professional growth. A journey built on dialogue and mutual exchange, helping to strengthen skills and awareness.  

This was followed by the first part of the graduation ceremony, followed by a talk by flight instructor and former Swiss pilot Roberto Battaglioni, entitled “Healthcare and aviation: what are the similarities?”. Through the account of a real-life experience, Battaglioni offered an engaging reflection on the themes of managing critical situations, teamwork and effective communication. These elements, although in different contexts, prove to be fundamental in the healthcare sector too, where the ability to collaborate, make decisions and act with clarity can make all the difference. In particular, it was highlighted how the quality of relationships and clarity in communication are crucial for dealing with complex situations, as are trust within teams and the recognition of each professional’s skills.

 The ceremony then continued with the second part of the graduation ceremony, which provided an opportunity to celebrate all the graduates from the various study programmes.

Below is the list of the 107 diplomas awarded in the following DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies) and MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) programmes:

• DAS Palliative Care (21), Programme Directors Ilaria Bernardi Zucca and Veronica Paggi
• DAS Oncology (7), Programme Directors Ilaria Bernardi Zucca and Carla Pedrazzani
• DAS Mental Health and Psychiatry (33), Programme Director Lara Pellizzari
• DAS Healthcare Management (39), Programme Directors Giovanna Colatrella e Mariano Cavolo
• DAS Family and Community Nursing (2), Programme Director Sabrina Revolon
• MAS Systemic Cognitive Counselling (4), Programme Director Annaguya Fanfani
• MAS Healthcare Management (1), Programme Director Carlo De Pietro

A clear message ran through the entire event: the diploma is not a point of arrival, but a stage in a journey that continues. The skills acquired, combined with the experience and sensitivity developed, will accompany the graduates in future challenges, helping to build increasingly informed responses to the needs of people and society.

Congratulations to all the graduates on this significant achievement, and our thanks to the healthcare organisations where they work.