It was a day of sun, smiles, celebration and cocktails as students, parents, faculty and friends gathered for the year’s most eagerly awaited event: EU Barcelona Commencement 2017!
Pre-show prep
The commencement ceremony took place at Hotel Pullman Barcelona Skipper, a luxurious 5-star hotel by the beach. Students, parents and well-wishers arrived shortly after lunchtime, soaking up the atmosphere and waiting in anticipation for the event to begin. A short dress rehearsal gave a taste of things to come and ensured the smooth flow of the ceremony.
Caps in the air
Graduates and undergraduates then made their way out into the Barcelona sunshine for the all important class of 2017 photo, complete with the traditional cap toss. After a few last minute adjustments to gowns, tassels and speeches, everyone was ready to take their place in time for the commencement ceremony to begin.
Timely words of wisdom
Jean-Claude Biver, chairman of Hublot and Zenith, CEO of Tag Heuer and president of the LVMH Watch Division, gave a stirring speech, urging students to shape their own future.
“Your future must be totally different from today. Shake planet Earth! You are going to make the economy; make this century yours. I have the biggest hope because I know the new generation, I see the new generation and I learn every day from the new generation.”
Then came the time for the legendary watchmaker to present EU President Dr. Dirk Craen with the gift of a tremendously large Hublot watch, to take prominent place in the new Barcelona campus building.
CEO of Reuge, Kurt Kupper, then spoke of how EU students have an advantage over their contemporaries.
“You already learn how to deal with other cultures and that’s so vital today… the world is becoming smaller. We need to understand each other.”
He went on to emphasize the importance of making connections, the old-fashioned way.
“From my point of view, what’s very important is networking. Talking, talking, talking! I’m not talking about a Skype conversation, I’m not talking about Whatsapp, I’m talking about real life… We, the old guys, we meet with people, we discuss with people, and we try to evolve and learn from each other.”
The Dr. will see you now
EU President, Dr. Dirk Craen then addressed the students:
“A world of infinite opportunities is waiting for you. Be game changers. Your success will be influenced by your ideas, your fast acting, your creativity, your vision and, don’t forget, your imagination. Be bold, brave and brilliant!”
Class of 2017
Next, special awards were presented. Among the winners were Toni Tió and Jean-Claude Biver, who received the leadership awards, EU alumnus Ricardo Gómez, who received the award for entrepreneurship, and the Gasol Foundation, who won the social responsibility award, accepted by executive director Cristina Ribes. Other winners included Oscar Parella, Kongoh, Ricoh and Walter Pack.
Then came the roll call. Graduates and imminent graduates were called to the stage, before special awards were presented to students and faculty in recognition of outstanding performance.
Just before the commencement ceremony came to a close, top performing students took to the stage. Evan Planchon, BA (Hons) in Sports Management and president of the EU student board, gave the undergraduate speech.
“We are the next generation of leaders. We live in a difficult and challenging world. It is our duty to make ethical and smart decisions in business. Believe in yourself, trust yourself and respect yourself. It is united that we will rise.”
Rodin Affourtit, Thomas Miessen and Akshay Umesh, all MBA students, gave the graduate speeches. Miessen spoke about the importance of challenging yourself.
“When was the last time you did something for the first time? I encourage you to think about these words and keep on being curious and always hunger for more. Because, after all, learning and discovering new things is what makes life worthwhile and helps us to evolve.”
Let the fun commence
Shortly after the ceremony, the celebrations commenced, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres enjoyed in the hotel’s garden bar. Students mingled with family, faculty and friends, relating memories of their time at EU and speaking of their future plans, with views of the Mediterranean Sea and the sound of background jazz complementing the jubilant mood.
To see more pictures of the evening click here.
