Awarding of IL3-UB master's and postgraduate degrees in the fields of health, technology and business
The Aula Magna of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Barcelona (UB) was the setting for the closing ceremony of the continuing education master's degrees and postgraduate courses promoted by the UB, through its Institute for Lifelong Learning (IL3-UB). The ceremony underlined lifelong learning's importance as a key element of professional development and invited students to put their talent and knowledge at the service of the common good, of people and of institutions.
The event began with a speech by the UB's rector, Dr Joan Guàrdia Olmos, who gave a brief institutional welcome before handing the mic to Dr Màrius Domínguez, Vice-Rector for Lifelong Learning and Vocational Training at the UB. Domínguez highlighted the "celebration that completing university studies merits" and congratulated all the students closing this stage of their lives, particularly for all the effort they put in. The vice-rector recognised their ability to see the value of training and to adapt to an increasingly professional and demanding environment. He also addressed a few words to the people who were unable to attend the event, whether because of work commitments or because they were far from Barcelona. He concluded by speaking about the UB's diversity: "You, more than anyone, are the reflection of what the University of Barcelona is. Today you become a part of that community".
Next spoke Ms Montserrat Solà, director of the postgraduate course and master's degree in Primary Care Nursing at the IL3-UB, on behalf of all the directors of the IL3-UB master's and postgraduate programmes. Solà addressed the day's graduates: "You made an important decision: the decision to continue learning. You should be commended for your endeavours". The director also highlighted the challenge of choosing the best teachers: "people who know how to transmit knowledge, but, at the same time, who inspire". Solà also stressed that "a master's degree is made of people, that is why it is so important to take care of them: students, teachers and the staff who coordinate the courses". In the name of all the master's and postgraduate programme directors, she closed by expressing her gratitude to the support network that family provides, to the people who are behind students so that they can complete their degree.
It was then the rector's turn to begin that most awaited moment: the presentation of diplomas to graduates of all the courses in the fields of health, technology and business. Leading the event as master of ceremonies was Ms Lorena Pardo, coordinator of the IL3-UB Training Programmes Department, who called the graduates of the courses up in this order: the postgraduate degree in Primary Care Nursing, master's degree in Primary Care Nursing, postgraduate degree in Music Industry Management, master's degree in the Music Industry, master's degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, master's degree in Anti-Ageing and Longevity Medicine, master's degree in Renewable Energy Management and, finally, the master's degree in Urgent Care Nursing. Everyone collected their diploma and a group photo was taken for each degree.
Ms Victòria Alsina i Burgués, director of Strategy and Planning at the IL3-UB, then took to the podium. She wanted to point out "that this graduation ceremony closes a chapter in life and is important for both the students and the University. Behind each degree awarded there is perseverance and enthusiasm, and we want to thank you for choosing to learn with us. From today on, you are no longer students, but alumni, and you are joining a great community".
The rector closed the day by explaining what a closing ceremony means for the UB: "the aulas magna are called that because in the Middle Ages these spaces were used strictly for the most important events of the academic spirit", thus emphasising the importance of the event. Rector Guàrdia also spoke about what it means to be a good teacher: "It requires a great capacity for empathy, emotional intelligence, passion, communication skills, patience, creativity, innovation and accepting that everyone you train will eventually move on". Keeping this in mind, the rector asked that the new graduates "have empathy and emotional intelligence in relating to others, live joyously, be able to recognise merits and not to use 'it's always been done this way' as an excuse not to do things well", encouraging them to "take up this gauntlet".
And as always, the entire auditorium took to their feet to sing Gaudeamus igitur, the alma mater song, and the session adjourned with an invitation for everyone to attend a cocktail party in the Faculty of Economics and Business lobby.